tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59120550072231896852017-01-28T07:50:31.008-05:00Wave of GraceGrowing in the life we were meant to live through the grace of the One who created us to live it...Jennifer Pacachahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00740638978265854345noreply@blogger.comBlogger37125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5912055007223189685.post-7794909123561420262016-06-01T16:54:00.005-04:002016-06-01T16:54:49.549-04:00FocusI know this has probably never happened to any of you, but I am constantly having to give myself reminders.&nbsp; At home, my husband can ask me for something in one room, by the time I go into the next room, I’ve forgotten.&nbsp; At work, I’m walking down the hall and someone asks me for something – I ask them to email me because, in all likelihood, I’ll forget by the time I get back to my office.<br /><br />Now part of this are the number of details in life that we are juggling, and part of it is that usually our attention is someplace else when people are talking to us.&nbsp; But I know that there is a focus issue that I need to work on.&nbsp; There is a guarding of my thoughts so that I don’t go down futile&nbsp;rabbit trails.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZnlxrGrdtJg/V09LDreyygI/AAAAAAAACoA/QZ-6EW1EyNgKiL_aS3NFqtLyQ0d9jybmgCK4B/s1600/JesusFocus-300x189.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="126" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZnlxrGrdtJg/V09LDreyygI/AAAAAAAACoA/QZ-6EW1EyNgKiL_aS3NFqtLyQ0d9jybmgCK4B/s200/JesusFocus-300x189.jpg" width="200" /></a>When I think about my focus, sometimes the thing I need to guard isn’t only the topic of my thoughts, but the direction of my thoughts on that topic.&nbsp; Recently there was a situation that caused me to question motives, caused me to&nbsp;start down a negative road of thoughts about an individual whenever the situation came up.<br /><br />About a week ago, I randomly read the following scripture, and when I looked at my Facebook memories for that day, I had read the same scripture exactly 4 years earlier.<br /><blockquote><div style="text-align: center;"><em>Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which <span class="text_exposed_hide">…</span><span class="text_exposed_show">transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things” -Philippians 4:6-8</span></em></div></blockquote><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mc7WO7n7duQ/V09LNAVnnyI/AAAAAAAACoI/vwkeN2IG8pQzjhBLwZXFSQ-ozvY64rKgACK4B/s1600/Focus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="137" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mc7WO7n7duQ/V09LNAVnnyI/AAAAAAAACoI/vwkeN2IG8pQzjhBLwZXFSQ-ozvY64rKgACK4B/s200/Focus.jpg" width="200" /></a>God is so faithful to remind me to keep my focus on the good things, the good aspects, the noble things in people and situations.&nbsp; What does this scripture say?<br /><br />It tells us NOT to be anxious, but to pray about every situation.&nbsp; It tells us that THEN the peace of God will guard our hearts.&nbsp; It tells us that this is something that bypasses our understanding and goes straight to the heart.&nbsp; Then this passage tells us to focus (think)&nbsp;on what is true, noble and right.&nbsp; To focus on the good.<br /><br />I don’t believe this speaks of a cheap grace, but rather of approaching matters and people through the lens of Christ.&nbsp; It allows us to love and to extend grace.&nbsp; It allows us to give any hurt or defensiveness over to God because we are trusting Him to guard us.&nbsp; It is allowing ourselves to walk in the ability to extend grace, and to receive grace.<br /><br />When we focus on the good in others. It brings things that could come across as hurtful or offensive, into points of prayer, opportunities for compassion, opportunities to extend grace.&nbsp; Grace – isn’t that what God is constantly extending to us?<br /><div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-agN9aUkdLHU/V09Lb5N0ARI/AAAAAAAACoY/qXuhBhiFKo0NC9y3k9J5UrIt1CN2Ppq7QCK4B/s1600/Grace%2BAnn%2BVoskamp.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-agN9aUkdLHU/V09Lb5N0ARI/AAAAAAAACoY/qXuhBhiFKo0NC9y3k9J5UrIt1CN2Ppq7QCK4B/s400/Grace%2BAnn%2BVoskamp.jpg" width="400" /></a>﻿</div><br />I love this quote from Ann Voskamp.&nbsp; When we focus on God, on what He would focus on, we can respond in grace.&nbsp; We can give grace.&nbsp; We can receive grace.&nbsp; That is what opens others up to us for true relationship.&nbsp; It’s unexpected.&nbsp; It isn’t common in today’s world and usually does shock.<br /><br />When we put our focus where it should be, when we allow prayer to be our outlet for things that concern us, our hearts and minds are safe.&nbsp; When we keep our focus, we can move forward instead of getting stuck in the muck of life.&nbsp; We can walk in grace, trusting that Love has our back.<br /><br />So, as thoughts&nbsp;on situations, concerns, bombard me,&nbsp;I’m reminded once again today to keep my focus.&nbsp; Therein lies my peace. Today I will focus on the good and allow God’s peace to cover me.Jennifer Pacachahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00740638978265854345noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5912055007223189685.post-14743698964742043172016-05-19T11:38:00.002-04:002016-05-19T11:38:53.710-04:00The Life We Live<br />Do you ever really stop to think about the life you are living?&nbsp; Do you ever think about the lives our generation are living and the impact we are making on culture?&nbsp; I do.&nbsp; More often than I’d care to admit.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xdBR40Ikye8/Vz3dNKmSW_I/AAAAAAAACm0/-GP5VIxAMZoJiSD_k-zxm-VTg9gQSTpWQCK4B/s1600/Haley%2Bat%2Bthe%2Bbeach%2B2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xdBR40Ikye8/Vz3dNKmSW_I/AAAAAAAACm0/-GP5VIxAMZoJiSD_k-zxm-VTg9gQSTpWQCK4B/s200/Haley%2Bat%2Bthe%2Bbeach%2B2014.jpg" width="150" /></a>I look at my daughter and see the unbridled enthusiasm and joy that bubbles out of her&nbsp;&nbsp; I pray about how that can be nurtured, encouraged, and kindled into an unquenchable flame for the life she is to live.&nbsp; I want her life to impact the world with the gifts and talents God placed within her.&nbsp; There is so much hope, so much passion, so much untainted love that dwells in her.&nbsp; As a parent, there is anticipation of the impact she and her generation will make on this world.<br /><br />Yet, why do we lose that hope for ourselves?&nbsp; Why do we lose that hope for our generation?&nbsp; While we are alive, while we draw breath, we have the ability to share hope.&nbsp; We have the ability to change the course of things.&nbsp;Just because we have been through tough times or&nbsp;aren’t&nbsp;where we thought we’d be doesn’t mean that we don’t have many opportunities ahead.&nbsp; Just because we aren’t 5 years old, doesn’t meant that we shouldn’t still retain anticipation as to what the rest of our lives will hold.<br /><br />My thoughts come to these things this week because, to be honest, I’ve been feeling old.&nbsp; I’m not&nbsp;old by most people’s standards. Maybe it’s because relatively, I’m&nbsp;older than most of the other parents with 5-year-olds.&nbsp; Like the dad of one of my daughter’s best friends who was getting old because he was turning 29!!!&nbsp;&nbsp; Yeah, I’ve got a few years on you –&nbsp;like 15.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PuRimk531VU/Vz3dQ-4cjeI/AAAAAAAACm8/666XOs9ctHwul4JSGMl7dd9Zq_DhGQznwCK4B/s1600/Be%2BProud%2Bof%2BYour%2BAge.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PuRimk531VU/Vz3dQ-4cjeI/AAAAAAAACm8/666XOs9ctHwul4JSGMl7dd9Zq_DhGQznwCK4B/s200/Be%2BProud%2Bof%2BYour%2BAge.JPG" width="150" /></a>But&nbsp;God is so faithful to remind us&nbsp;that He holds times and seasons in His hands.&nbsp; I have some Dove Chocolates in my office and last week I was in need of some.&nbsp; If you are familiar with them, Dove Chocolates have sayings inside the wrapper, little adages such as ‘Ignore #hashtags today,’ ‘Hit snooze again.’&nbsp; Sayings that are meant to be encouraging, make life easier, or simply make you smile.&nbsp; I don’t think I’ve ever had 2 of the same sayings come up at the same time.<br /><br />Last Sunday, I opened a much needed chocolate, and the saying was “Be proud of your age.”&nbsp; Now I had been feeling ‘old’ for a couple of weeks now, so I laughed a bit and decided to have another chocolate.&nbsp; It’s saying was also “Be proud of your age.”&nbsp; My thoughts were, “God, are you trying to tell me something?”&nbsp; I believe He was and is encouraging me to live my life as He lays it out.&nbsp; (Yes, I saved them and pinned them to my bulletin board)&nbsp; &nbsp; He is telling me not to be concerned with the number or the view that the world has of what is and is not associated with that number.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZgADyOFrkI8/Vz3dUxOMWMI/AAAAAAAACnE/EpEjY2KVv2wWGTGjKmzno1nquwdayClPQCK4B/s1600/Pennies%2Bshinny%2B1986%2Baged%2B2006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="115" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZgADyOFrkI8/Vz3dUxOMWMI/AAAAAAAACnE/EpEjY2KVv2wWGTGjKmzno1nquwdayClPQCK4B/s200/Pennies%2Bshinny%2B1986%2Baged%2B2006.JPG" width="200" /></a>Then, as if I needed another encouragement, I found 2 pennies.&nbsp; One is shinny and the other dull and old looking.&nbsp; I looked to see what the dates were, fully thinking the shinny penny was rather new.&nbsp; The shinny penny had a date of 1986 on it!&nbsp; It is 30 years old, while the dull penny was a full 20 years younger, minted in 2006.&nbsp; The age of the penny hadn’t been the main factor on it’s condition.&nbsp; Our lives can be so much like that.&nbsp; So many factors can effect the condition of our heart, of our life.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2RvDOUliMUc/Vz3dhane1rI/AAAAAAAACnM/GROVMLtuhj8TncoHnlc3H1yFMrLegnedACK4B/s1600/11091162_10204971006567672_6296240695754958332_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2RvDOUliMUc/Vz3dhane1rI/AAAAAAAACnM/GROVMLtuhj8TncoHnlc3H1yFMrLegnedACK4B/s200/11091162_10204971006567672_6296240695754958332_n.jpg" width="200" /></a>We have to guard our hearts to guard our life.&nbsp; Our effectiveness can increase over time.&nbsp; Our wisdom, our abilities, our knowledge, our intimacy with God – all of these are things that can grow over time.&nbsp; All of these are things that can increase over time.&nbsp; But we have to actively seek after those things.<br /><br />It’s our life to live.&nbsp; God has set before us life and death, and each day we choose.&nbsp; We can choose life every day.&nbsp; We can choose to grown in God’s peace, His wisdom, His knowledge, and our gifts and talents can increase as we follow His leading.&nbsp; All we have to do is to choose.&nbsp; We get to choose how we live.&nbsp; We get to choose hope.&nbsp; We get to choose expectancy.&nbsp; We don’t have to give them up and believe that tomorrow will never be as good as yesterday.<br /><br />It doesn’t matter what age we are – Jeremiah 29:11 tells us that the Lord knows the plans he has for us – they are plans for good and not for disaster, to give us a future and a hope.&nbsp; It doesn’t say that He will give us a future and a hope when we are children – the promise is for today.&nbsp; It is today that He gives us a future and a hope.<br /><br />Whether you feel you are too young or too old to truly be effective, those feelings are not the truth.&nbsp; Truth is that God is working in us both to will and to do for His good pleasure. (Philippians 2:13)<br />So hold onto hope.&nbsp; Hold onto His grace for all of the things you have yet to do in your life.&nbsp; Don’t let today’s culture tell what you can and cannot do at your age.&nbsp; If I want to have an effective life, I have to listen to the voice of God and walk in the new things He is bringing my way!<br /><br />My desire is that we should all live the life God is calling each of us to live.&nbsp; It’s exciting, it’s an adventure, it is LIFE!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8EAWVMFWfbo/Vz3d9TgXxLI/AAAAAAAACnY/K72FpcDQgygmlsVsbCKGSzJODkj-GRaJQCK4B/s1600/Isaiah%2B43%2B18%2B19%2BMsg.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="301" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8EAWVMFWfbo/Vz3d9TgXxLI/AAAAAAAACnY/K72FpcDQgygmlsVsbCKGSzJODkj-GRaJQCK4B/s320/Isaiah%2B43%2B18%2B19%2BMsg.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Jennifer Pacachahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00740638978265854345noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5912055007223189685.post-90579751490613808922016-05-11T11:32:00.001-04:002016-05-11T11:32:14.258-04:00Being IntentionalThere are days and times that are meant to be fun and relaxing holidays, but they&nbsp;get overlapped with other life events that can pile on responsibilities and pull the joy out of our expectations. These can be good things, but none the less things that require our attention, work, and focus.&nbsp; Honestly, I can struggle to keep my joy and expectation during these times.<br /><br />This past weekend was Mother’s Day weekend.&nbsp; There were also a few other things&nbsp;happening – It was also my husband’s birthday (which I was very excited to celebrate!), the start of a 4-day event where I work (which would require many hours of work), and a need to get with family to celebrate my husband’s mom.&nbsp; There were also the stresses my husband is carrying with his job and commitments.&nbsp; Needless to say, the weekend was busy and filled with running from one thing to the next.&nbsp; It is so easy to become stressed in moments like these.&nbsp; In seasons like these.<br /><br />I can find myself so stressed and focused on what is being demanded of me that I can’t even enjoy a holiday.&nbsp; I can’t even laugh at the joke my daughter comes up with in the back seat.&nbsp; I can find myself short-tempered.&nbsp; I can find myself so stressed by the demands that what should be fun and a blessing is just another stressful requirement in life.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UsE0iHTb23I/VzNQDr2DxnI/AAAAAAAACl8/aE0_CRTnCSIPvQnSbEmdf45gmG8R_9apgCK4B/s1600/Mothers%2BDay%2BBeach%2BTime%2B2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UsE0iHTb23I/VzNQDr2DxnI/AAAAAAAACl8/aE0_CRTnCSIPvQnSbEmdf45gmG8R_9apgCK4B/s200/Mothers%2BDay%2BBeach%2BTime%2B2016.jpg" width="200" /></a>Knowing what was required of us this weekend and the coming week, our family intentionally set aside time on Saturday morning&nbsp;to just hang out as a family.&nbsp; Just the three of us.&nbsp; We went out to breakfast to one of our favorite local spots (one of our little family’s Saturday morning traditions).&nbsp; Then we went straight to the beach.&nbsp; It was restful, fun, and filled with laughter.&nbsp; It was the perfect antidote to the demands creeping in on our lives.<br /><br />We were intentional about it.&nbsp; It is so important to be intentional&nbsp;about creating time to just be together.&nbsp; No agenda.&nbsp; No distractions.&nbsp;&nbsp;Just being.&nbsp; Just enjoying.<br /><br />It’s like that with the Lord.&nbsp; We have to be intentional about spending time with Him.&nbsp; We have to set aside time to just be.&nbsp; No agenda.&nbsp; No distractions.&nbsp; Just being.&nbsp; Just enjoying His presence.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a5vZRjAsPfw/VzNQOnQXetI/AAAAAAAACmM/3G_lS637IbEkAoFXdzfWZSmeR8TDE7spQCK4B/s1600/Jer%2B29%2B11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a5vZRjAsPfw/VzNQOnQXetI/AAAAAAAACmM/3G_lS637IbEkAoFXdzfWZSmeR8TDE7spQCK4B/s200/Jer%2B29%2B11.jpg" width="160" /></a>That is where our peace is found.&nbsp; When I think back on how I walked through really difficult times in life, it was out of an overflow of the intentional times I had spent with the Lord.&nbsp; I knew God’s presence.&nbsp; I knew Him.&nbsp; I knew He is good.&nbsp; I knew He had my best at heart.&nbsp; I knew He had a future planned for me and I could hold onto that hope.<br /><br />Have you listened to the hymn “It is Well” and heard the story behind it?&nbsp; How did Horatio Spafford honestly pen those lyrics of peace flowing like a&nbsp;river&nbsp;when contemplating the loss of his daughters?&nbsp; It could only have been out of the intentional times of fellowship he had spent with his Savior.<br /><blockquote><div style="text-align: center;">“When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,<br /> When sorrows like sea billows roll;<br /> Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,<br /> It is well, it is well with my soul.”</div></blockquote>How does “Peace like a river” flow in our lives through difficult times?&nbsp; Only from a reservoir that comes from Peace Himself.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZUXjJWmCtM4/VzNQaX1AUxI/AAAAAAAACmU/HygfiboQh7khxZ77VAVS1TTepK86N-DagCK4B/s1600/Ephesians%2B2%2B14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZUXjJWmCtM4/VzNQaX1AUxI/AAAAAAAACmU/HygfiboQh7khxZ77VAVS1TTepK86N-DagCK4B/s200/Ephesians%2B2%2B14.jpg" width="133" /></a>There is no substitute for intentionally spending focused&nbsp;time with those we love.&nbsp; Intentionally learning those we want more of in our lives.&nbsp; &nbsp;We have to be intentional to truly be relational.&nbsp; We have to be intentional to truly have peace in our lives.&nbsp; We have to be intentional to truly have joy in our lives.&nbsp; Otherwise we allow chaos to reign.&nbsp; Otherwise we have nothing to pull from when we find ourselves wanting.<br /><br />God is faithful.&nbsp; He is always there.&nbsp; He always has peace waiting for us.&nbsp; He always has love waiting.&nbsp; We only have to partake of it.&nbsp; We only have to turn and recognize all that He wants for us.&nbsp; We only have to turn and tell Him, ‘here I am and I need You.’<br /><br />He is there. He is our anchor.&nbsp; He is our lighthouse.&nbsp; He is our peace. Be intentional about looking to Him and you will find all of those things.Jennifer Pacachahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00740638978265854345noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5912055007223189685.post-26740613762027470812016-04-27T10:35:00.003-04:002016-04-27T10:35:18.563-04:00Love Expressed<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XoR-_lo39VU/VyDNGDsz7UI/AAAAAAAACk4/IBxHVNGbVcoa5WuHzaSiRFrN_eKllJXCwCK4B/s1600/Jenn%2Band%2BMom%2BBaby.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XoR-_lo39VU/VyDNGDsz7UI/AAAAAAAACk4/IBxHVNGbVcoa5WuHzaSiRFrN_eKllJXCwCK4B/s200/Jenn%2Band%2BMom%2BBaby.jpg" width="170" /></a>Today is the 6th year my mom is celebrating her birthday in heaven.&nbsp; I miss my mom like crazy for so many reasons.&nbsp; I know I’ll see her again, but sometimes I’d just like to pick up the phone and ask her a question, or stop by the house and tell her good morning.&nbsp;&nbsp; I’d like to tell her a joke and make her laugh until she&nbsp;cried, because it always made me laugh too.<br /><br />When I think of my mom, I think of several things – I think about heaven.&nbsp; How amazing it must be and wonder what she thinks of it.&nbsp; Being in the presence of God, in the presence of the&nbsp;One she lived her life for.<br /><br />I wonder what she’s doing – You know, in heaven there isn’t any fear.&nbsp; How many things have we not done because fear was present.&nbsp; Things that might have been exhilarating – things like flying, diving to the depths of the ocean.&nbsp; Things that are adventurous but also live a bit on the edge.<br />I certainly don’t think that heaven involves just sitting around.&nbsp; God created us to live, to live an adventurous, abundant life!<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p-8plWkwWWY/VyDNMHPStYI/AAAAAAAAClA/ZilCbQas-vUUtlaP6z9u7OKqMmsUyRuagCK4B/s1600/Me%2Band%2BMom%2BApril%2B2004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="148" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p-8plWkwWWY/VyDNMHPStYI/AAAAAAAAClA/ZilCbQas-vUUtlaP6z9u7OKqMmsUyRuagCK4B/s200/Me%2Band%2BMom%2BApril%2B2004.jpg" width="200" /></a>The other thing I think about is the kind of life my mom did&nbsp;live here.&nbsp; It was one of love – one of expressed love.&nbsp; You know how people say that “if you don’t have something nice to say, don’t say anything at all?”&nbsp; Well, that was my mom’s philosophy and she followed it wholeheartedly.<br /><br />My mom reached out to people where they lived.&nbsp; You know the story of the good Samaritan – that would have been my mom.&nbsp; You know how Jesus said to let the little ones come to Him?&nbsp; She always brought the kids from our neighborhood into our home, even after all of her own children were grown.&nbsp; She loved them, she gave all that she could to them.&nbsp; Mostly, she really talked to them.&nbsp; She just let them spend time, giving them snacks and&nbsp;really encouraging them.&nbsp; She&nbsp;shared herself with them.&nbsp; She shared the Truth of Jesus with them and how He could make a difference in their lives.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J7XzEnZHquI/VyDNWV7MvbI/AAAAAAAAClI/va9N_aAAKkE6m2dsj8NgI4mdJuMO_ew_gCK4B/s1600/Fam%2Bphoto.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="158" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J7XzEnZHquI/VyDNWV7MvbI/AAAAAAAAClI/va9N_aAAKkE6m2dsj8NgI4mdJuMO_ew_gCK4B/s200/Fam%2Bphoto.jpg" width="200" /></a>I love it when I see her heart in that of my brothers, sisters, nieces, and nephews.&nbsp; When I see it in the kids who are now adults, but making choices out of love because they were loved.&nbsp; My mom loved the Lord and allowed His love to be expressed through her.&nbsp; She loved without expectation, without looking for return.&nbsp; She just wanted others to know the love Christ has for them.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_Ll5NJ6XELI/VyDOET-IVOI/AAAAAAAAClc/pY9mmltvHG83F6XxoC1ggQuGh8F-KIfuACK4B/s1600/Love%2BPeople%2BAnn%2BVoskamp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_Ll5NJ6XELI/VyDOET-IVOI/AAAAAAAAClc/pY9mmltvHG83F6XxoC1ggQuGh8F-KIfuACK4B/s400/Love%2BPeople%2BAnn%2BVoskamp.jpg" /></a>I can think of so many situations where she didn’t think of her own self.&nbsp; Loving without&nbsp;looking at the wrongs of a person’s situation, but only of how she could love them, and in that express the love of Christ.<br /><br />Mom didn’t do this by herself though; she took her family with her. I can’t count the times our days consisted of serving others because they had a need – a ride to the grocery store, spending time with someone who couldn’t get out, gathering food or clothing for a family in need.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0T6_s0djRh0/VyDNkinpx_I/AAAAAAAAClQ/Hau7O0ByKiga5dNMBtq94LQs-YgCrwRWACK4B/s1600/1-corinthians-13_4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0T6_s0djRh0/VyDNkinpx_I/AAAAAAAAClQ/Hau7O0ByKiga5dNMBtq94LQs-YgCrwRWACK4B/s200/1-corinthians-13_4.jpg" width="160" /></a>Mom taught me to see people through the eyes of Jesus. She knew that if they would only surrender to His love, their lives would be transformed. Mom knew life could be hard. She had seen the effects of alcohol and drug abuse on a life, on a family. But she had also encountered the life-changing, heart healing power of Jesus Christ.&nbsp; She wanted to express that Love to everyone she could.<br /><br />Love expressed.&nbsp; A love that changes lives.&nbsp; Living out the greatest commandments – Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and all your mind.&nbsp; Love your neighbor as yourself. (Matthew 22:37-38)&nbsp; Those are the things I think about when I remember my mom.<br /><br />Happy birthday Mom!!Jennifer Pacachahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00740638978265854345noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5912055007223189685.post-13013101951217727032016-04-21T13:52:00.004-04:002016-04-21T13:52:49.642-04:00Don't Quit<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-noT-8L0ECeA/VxkTSSNNhKI/AAAAAAAACkY/aZJE1sVM3W0s3A514732Xgs3ZLKsBDsgwCK4B/s1600/Don%2527t%2BQuit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-noT-8L0ECeA/VxkTSSNNhKI/AAAAAAAACkY/aZJE1sVM3W0s3A514732Xgs3ZLKsBDsgwCK4B/s320/Don%2527t%2BQuit.jpg" width="320" /></a>Sometimes life seems to be going nowhere fast. The goals and dreams you have, the promises you’ve been holding on to and working for feel farther away than ever. Nothing is happening. Nothing is moving.&nbsp;There’s not a finish line in site. Discouragement can set in.<br /><br />These times can be the most difficult to keep going, or to even stand your ground and not fall back.&nbsp; I’ve felt that.&nbsp; I’ve been there.&nbsp; If I’m honest, I’m there right now.&nbsp; Sometimes it seems the things in our lives we believe God has called us to are never going to come.&nbsp; We keep waiting.<br /><br />The questions swirl around&nbsp;– We begin to question if we are really called.&nbsp; We begin to question whether we are on the right track, if we’ve veered off the road.&nbsp; We wait.&nbsp; We begin to question whether God will truly bring us to the place of fulfillment of the promise.&nbsp; Yet we continue to wait.<br /><br />As we wait to see the promises of God fulfilled in our lives, we have to remember that the One who has promised us is not a man. In the waiting I often find myself thinking of God and associate human shortfalls with Him. Is God mad at me because I didn’t do something? Did I fall short? Don’t little things people do make <em>me</em> mad at times and&nbsp;my reaction can be to&nbsp;withhold things from people?&nbsp; Is God doing that?<br /><br />Then I’m reminded by the simplicity of His sweet Spirit –&nbsp;that He’s not a man that He should lie, that He is faithful to fulfill <em><strong>all</strong></em> that He has promised. As I wait, there is a journey. Even when things don’t look like I thought they would, He is faithful in the journey.<br /><br />Many times there are twists and turns we didn’t foresee that can discourage us, hills and valleys that contain illness, heartache, or waiting, not knowing or understanding why.&nbsp; Those are the times we must not quit.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><em>Hebrews 10:23 tells us – “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering for He who promised is faithful.”&nbsp;</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>Psalm 37:23 tells us that “The <span class="small-caps">Lord</span> directs the steps of the godly.&nbsp;&nbsp;<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-37-23">He delights in every detail of their lives.” </span></span></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-37-23"></span></span></em>&nbsp;</div>When we walk in the things that God has gifted us in, there is hope wrapped in it.&nbsp; Sometimes those things seem like faraway desires and we are tempted to settle for less instead of raising our expectations of fulfillment.&nbsp; One of my favorite quotes is from C.S. Lewis in “The Weight of Glory”:<br /><blockquote><div style="text-align: center;"><em>“We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased.” -C.S. Lewis</em></div></blockquote>We can’t quit and settle for less.&nbsp; I don’t want to live my life half-hearted when so much more is offered.<br /><br />Many&nbsp;times what we are waiting for is just around the corner.&nbsp; If we don’t quit, if we just take that next step, we win.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UVqHfDhfA3w/VxkTMGiVXCI/AAAAAAAACkQ/CTdC-JPsBJgkPFehCxlsD0_VWd-FEBoBgCK4B/s1600/Never%2BQuit%2BPhoto.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UVqHfDhfA3w/VxkTMGiVXCI/AAAAAAAACkQ/CTdC-JPsBJgkPFehCxlsD0_VWd-FEBoBgCK4B/s200/Never%2BQuit%2BPhoto.jpg" width="132" /></a>God tells us about winning in His word – In Hebrews 11:6 we are told that “He is a rewarder of&nbsp;them that diligently seek him.”&nbsp; In 2 Chronicles 15:7 we are told to “be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.”&nbsp; And in Luke 21:19 we are told to “stand firm, and you will win life.”<br /><br />So don’t quit.&nbsp; Keep moving forward.&nbsp; When you feel like things are stagnant, take time to be in God’s presence.&nbsp;&nbsp;Continue to learn, continue to love.&nbsp; Be encouraged, even in the waiting.Jennifer Pacachahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00740638978265854345noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5912055007223189685.post-948375333388033392016-04-14T09:14:00.000-04:002016-04-14T09:14:58.119-04:00Restoration<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5tooi6-vyFA/Vw-W5eUlFII/AAAAAAAACjc/hqApWaX_wNkIC4q_QI_sybg80kMmUhZgQCK4B/s1600/before-and-after-of-old-house-Nicole-Curtis-fixed-up1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="145" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5tooi6-vyFA/Vw-W5eUlFII/AAAAAAAACjc/hqApWaX_wNkIC4q_QI_sybg80kMmUhZgQCK4B/s200/before-and-after-of-old-house-Nicole-Curtis-fixed-up1.jpg" width="200" /></a>Restoration – it is a word that has been bouncing around in my head and heart for a while now.&nbsp; So many people are into restoration in our culture.&nbsp; Restoring old furniture.&nbsp; Restoring old homes, old cars.&nbsp; Restoring entire sections of cities that have become dilapidated.&nbsp; Many look at <em><strong>things</strong> </em>and see ways to restore them.&nbsp; They find ways to bring them back to their former glory and sometimes even to improve on them.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9sniMpKfGsU/Vw-W-eEfVSI/AAAAAAAACjk/Cp7d44FRv90ucEHVzc5uw7mwMKyWkUgKwCK4B/s1600/restored-rocking-chair1-e1376959155658%2B%25283%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="161" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9sniMpKfGsU/Vw-W-eEfVSI/AAAAAAAACjk/Cp7d44FRv90ucEHVzc5uw7mwMKyWkUgKwCK4B/s200/restored-rocking-chair1-e1376959155658%2B%25283%2529.png" width="200" /></a>I love to watch stories on TV about this.&nbsp; I love to watch shows that take a&nbsp;building from being a run-down, lonely&nbsp;place to a beautiful, fully restored, family home.&nbsp; Or those that&nbsp;unearth what is seemingly&nbsp;junk and remake it into beautiful, functioning, useful pieces.&nbsp; They even have a term for this now – repurposing.<br /><br />I love seeing the vision people have for things that are hidden, and the process they go through in revealing that vision.&nbsp; They have a gift to see the beauty in something&nbsp;while it is still in an&nbsp;un-restored state.<br /><br />There is so much in this world that needs restoration, having the vision to see possibilities that&nbsp;inanimate objects hold.&nbsp; It takes vision, it takes work, but we can usually see the feasibility of restoring things, even if we need a bit of guidance from an expert.<br /><br />When it comes to people, the world doesn’t usually see the same possibilities.&nbsp; How many times are people overlooked because they have become run down, gone through tragedy, hit by disease, passed a certain age?&nbsp; They are seen as broken, finished, and unsalvageable.<br /><br />If you have a relationship with God, this is where we should be different.&nbsp; This is where we need to stop looking at things from our limited perspective, looking at things&nbsp;in&nbsp;light of&nbsp;our own abilities, and ask to see what God has in store.&nbsp; He is the great restorer of all things, and His possibilities are endless.<br /><br />Restoration is one reason that I love the book of Ruth.&nbsp; Almost immediately in this book we find Ruth destitute.&nbsp; She is in a foreign country, her husband and sons have died.&nbsp; She is a widow, who has been&nbsp;left with two widowed daughters-in-law.&nbsp; Ruth sees no future in her current situation and decides to return to her own nation of Israel.&nbsp; She encourages her two daughters-in-law to return to their own&nbsp;families where they can have a future.&nbsp; Naomi refuses and not only stands&nbsp;by Ruth, but stands with the God of Israel who Ruth and her family serve.<br /><br />Both women return to Israel and are basically homeless and destitute.&nbsp; They are gathering left-overs from the grain harvesters for food.&nbsp; Naomi is gathering from the field of Boaz, who is a distant relative, and he shows her favor.&nbsp; As the story plays out, we see that Boaz is to be Naomi (and Ruth’s) redeemer.&nbsp; He will redeem their rights to land and become Naomi’s husband, giving both Ruth and Naomi descendants.<br /><blockquote><div style="text-align: center;">“Blessed <i>be</i> the <span class="small-caps">Lord</span>, who has not left you this day without a close relative; and may his name be famous in Israel! <span class="text Ruth-4-15" id="en-NKJV-7206">And may he be to you a <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>restorer</strong> </span>of life and a nourisher of your old age…” -Ruth 4:14-15</span></div></blockquote>Boaz is sensitive to God’s nature.&nbsp; He sees Naomi through God’s eyes, not as a women who is homeless and destitute, but someone with a hope and a future.&nbsp; He sees what God’s possibility for her&nbsp;is- a wife, mother to his children.&nbsp; Ultimately Boaz and Naomi are part of the lineage of the Redeemer of all mankind.<br /><br />Boaz had much in terms of earthly wealth, but he took time to look and listen to what and who&nbsp;was around him.&nbsp; He realized the richness that can be found in a person, not just in things.&nbsp; He took time to trust God in the path that was laid before him, and in walking that path found a rich blessing.<br /><br />Allowing God to use us to bring restoration in people’s lives takes bravery.&nbsp; It takes trust.&nbsp; It forces us to step out toward a goal we can’t really see, walking a path without a map.&nbsp;It’s working on a canvas that cannot be seen on the surface.<br /><br />Bringing restoration in people’s lives, in their hearts,&nbsp;forces us&nbsp;to walk in true love.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8OoP0vZNHBE/Vw-XF2vsQ7I/AAAAAAAACjs/OWjGakuPIscK0u12GugkxlqtHaeMvt5kwCK4B/s1600/Restore%2BJoel%2B2%2B25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8OoP0vZNHBE/Vw-XF2vsQ7I/AAAAAAAACjs/OWjGakuPIscK0u12GugkxlqtHaeMvt5kwCK4B/s320/Restore%2BJoel%2B2%2B25.jpg" width="213" /></a>Every person is different.&nbsp; Each one will have a different path that leads to restoration.&nbsp; The beauty that will be revealed will always be different.&nbsp; What is the same is our ability to make room for the restoration process in our lives.&nbsp; In allowing ourselves to be restored, we are able to help others along their path.<br /><br />The great thing about this type of restoration, the restoration of people’s lives,&nbsp;is that you don’t have to obtain special skills.&nbsp; You just have to be available.&nbsp; Because this kind of restoration is about walking in love.&nbsp; This kind is about connecting the one that needs to be restored to the One who is the restorer of all things.<br /><blockquote><div style="text-align: center;">I love this quote by Ann Voskamp, “Don’t ever love by halves, because that’s not how anyone becomes whole.”</div></blockquote>God gave all of Himself so that we could be whole.&nbsp; He never loves in halves, and neither should we.<br /><br />Restoration of lives is real. God is a restorer of hope, a restorer of vision, a restorer of relationships, a restorer of life where we thought there was only death.&nbsp;Today let’s look at lives with a vision for restoration.Jennifer Pacachahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00740638978265854345noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5912055007223189685.post-52239800403599697842016-04-07T14:50:00.004-04:002016-04-07T14:50:33.719-04:00JOY<br /><br />There are those moments when we are sitting with friends and laughing until we can't breathe.&nbsp; Or when we are sitting with someone we love and just enjoying their presence and the peace that permeates.&nbsp; It's in those moments, where we let go of disappointments, let go of disillusionments -&nbsp;that we find ourselves looking outside of our own needs and wants.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7HsX2DJEtoY/VwarYkEADXI/AAAAAAAACiw/Xo-l8jHxCDQ7nB3REKAiDqe_45a5rfT-g/s1600/Galatians%2B5%2B22.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7HsX2DJEtoY/VwarYkEADXI/AAAAAAAACiw/Xo-l8jHxCDQ7nB3REKAiDqe_45a5rfT-g/s320/Galatians%2B5%2B22.png" width="320" /></a><br />Joy in our life can be something that we stumble across randomly, or it can be something that flows from our lives.<br /><br />When we have Holy Spirit in our lives, when we allow Him to dwell in every area, this is what comes freely.<br />It's Holy Spirit that causes this to come.&nbsp; It's not through our own efforts or our own striving, but rather something that will flow out of us.&nbsp; <br />The love, joy, peace....<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-marN5Fjpl2g/VwarncZLR4I/AAAAAAAACi4/vioWhvRi62gVI5n6ak_Wzm8rYjwEGTfyw/s1600/st%2Bjohns%2Briver%2Blighthouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-marN5Fjpl2g/VwarncZLR4I/AAAAAAAACi4/vioWhvRi62gVI5n6ak_Wzm8rYjwEGTfyw/s320/st%2Bjohns%2Briver%2Blighthouse.jpg" width="230" /></a><br />When I allow room for Holy Spirit, I can become a beacon of hope for others and&nbsp;they see a difference in my life.&nbsp; When I don't, the picture I get reminds me of the lighthouse at the end of my street where I grew up.&nbsp; I love this lighthouse and was always intrigued by it.&nbsp; I wanted to climb its steps and see what caused it to work.&nbsp; I wanted to know if it even had the hardware that was needed to still shine.&nbsp; This used to be a functioning lighthouse.&nbsp; It now sits on a naval base, behind barbwire fence, giving off no light.&nbsp; It is no longer a beacon for those lost at sea, no longer a signal for those who feel like they are being overcome by the waves.<br /><br />There is a sadness about this structure.&nbsp; It is inaccessible and lifeless.&nbsp; That's what I feel like when I don't allow room for Holy Spirit.&nbsp; Instead of being someone who's life allows joy and love to flourish, I become introspective and discount who I am.&nbsp; I discount the promises of God and His faithfulness because I am looking at my abilities instead of God's ability.<br /><br />One of my favorite scriptures is Psalm 27:13.<br /><div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;"><em>I would have lost heart, unless I had believed t</em><em><span class="text Ps-27-13">hat I would see the goodness of the <span class="small-caps"><span class="mceItemHidden" data-mce-bogus="1"><span></span>Lord <span class="mceItemHidden" data-mce-bogus="1"><span class="hiddenGrammarError" data-mce-bogus="1" pre="Lord ">i</span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span class="text Ps-27-13">n the land of the living.</span></em></div><div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;"><em><span class="text Ps-27-13"></span></em>&nbsp;</div><div data-mce-style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left;">This verse speaks to the waiting.&nbsp; It speaks to the times when things seem dark.&nbsp; When things seem without redemption.&nbsp; But it is only by dwelling in Holy Spirit, allowing Him access to our lives, that we walk in hope during these times.</div><div data-mce-style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div data-mce-style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-21jZ9eRGLBE/VwaryKcDAPI/AAAAAAAACjA/n-k2-ODFvgkG7lJeqtd78wOn3leAwXReg/s1600/2-Corinthians-4_16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-21jZ9eRGLBE/VwaryKcDAPI/AAAAAAAACjA/n-k2-ODFvgkG7lJeqtd78wOn3leAwXReg/s320/2-Corinthians-4_16.jpg" width="320" /></a>It is like night and day.&nbsp; When I allow room for Holy Spirit to work in my life, to speak into my life, I see the things that He produces in my life, and my life produces so much more.&nbsp; My heart's focus isn't on myself, but on others.&nbsp; It's not on myself, but on God.&nbsp; </div><div data-mce-style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div data-mce-style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left;">The goodness of the Lord is like the sunrise of a beautiful day. His warm rays break through the darkness that tries to stifle our&nbsp;life and our hope.</div><div data-mce-style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left;">I love the freedom in realizing this.&nbsp; When we truly give our life to Christ, we can rest in the work He has done.&nbsp; As long as I am making room for Holy Spirit to work in my life, as long as I am spending time in His presence, I can trust that He is working in my life.&nbsp; I can trust in the path He is taking me on.&nbsp; I can trust that He is leading and is right there with me.&nbsp; </div><div data-mce-style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left;">Even if I don't feel joy, I can rest in peace and know that the joy is coming.&nbsp; True joy.&nbsp; Real joy.&nbsp; The kind of joy that fills our lives and flows over so that others see it too.﻿</div>Jennifer Pacachahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00740638978265854345noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5912055007223189685.post-466208953052347922016-03-31T15:41:00.004-04:002016-03-31T15:41:48.044-04:00Choosing<div style="clear: right; float: right; height: 360px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; width: 293px;"><a href="https://jennpacacha.files.wordpress.com/2016/03/picture12.png?w=357" imageanchor="1"><img alt="Picture1.png" border="0" class="alignright wp-image-430" height="320" src="https://jennpacacha.files.wordpress.com/2016/03/picture12.png?w=357" width="320" /></a></div><br />What hinders love?<br /><br />Is it not truly knowing what love is?<br /><br />When Christ rose from the grave, the victory was complete, His love had won.&nbsp; <em><strong>Christ</strong></em>, He is Love, and He won - for all eternity.<br /><br />What did He win?&nbsp; What was His prize?&nbsp; It was us - you and me.<br /><br />Now the choice is ours.&nbsp; We get to choose that love.&nbsp; But why do we shy away?&nbsp; Why don't we trust?&nbsp; Why don't we believe?&nbsp; I suppose the answer is simple - we live in a fallen world where the examples we see of love are incomplete, tainted by lack.&nbsp; The examples we see typically fall short.<br /><br />Maybe it's in the wanting.&nbsp; Are we truly wanted?&nbsp; <br />Christ died out of love, but does He truly want <em><strong>me</strong></em>?&nbsp;In our hearts we think, if He really knows who I am, how can He want <em>me</em>?<br /><br /><div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;"><em><strong>In our heart, do we really believe that</strong> <strong>He</strong> <strong>wants</strong> <strong>us</strong></em>, <em><strong>that He LOVES us?&nbsp;</strong> </em></div><div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;"><em></em>&nbsp;</div>Or do we believe that He is going to allow us to slip into heaven on a technicality?&nbsp; Others will get to be close - they get to sit in His lap with&nbsp;His arms wrapped about them.&nbsp;&nbsp;They get the house being prepare, the full package.&nbsp; Others have truly hit the mark, but we get to slip in.<br /><br />Many times what we feel and truth are two very different things.<br /><br />There are lines from a couple of songs that really stick with me, they speak to my heart and I hear them being whispered to me.<br /><blockquote><div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;"><em>‘Cause I loved you before you knew what was love<br /> I saw it all, and&nbsp;still I chose the cross<br /> You were the one that I was thinking of<br /> When I rose from the grave</em></div><div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;">-"Out of Hiding" by Stephanie Gretzinger and Amanda Cook</div></blockquote><div style="text-align: center;">Then there is Misty Edwards', "I Knew What I was Getting Into"<br /><br /><em><strong>I </strong></em><em><strong>knew what I <br />was getting into when I called you.<br /> I knew what I was getting into when I said your name, but I said it just the same. I knew what I was getting into and I still want you.</strong></em> <br /> Being wanted. Being chosen. Singers sing about it. Writers write about it. But is it true? And more so, do we believe it?<br /><br />Maybe that is the thing that hinders love in our lives, truly believing that we are not only loved, but wanted.<br /><br />So I turn from song lyrics to God's Word.</div><br />2 Thessalonians 2:13 tells us that: <em>"<span class="text 2Thess-2-13">As for us, we can’t help but thank God for you, dear brothers and sisters <strong>loved by the Lord</strong>. We are always thankful that <strong>God chose you</strong> to be among the first to experience salvation—a salvation that came through the Spirit who makes you holy and through your belief in the truth."</span></em><br /><em><span class="text 2Thess-2-13"></span></em><br />1 Peter 2:9 tells us: <span class="text 1Pet-2-9" id="en-NLT-30369"><sup class="versenum">&nbsp;<em>"</em></sup><em>But you</em></span><span class="text 1Pet-2-9"><em>&nbsp;are not like that, for you are a <strong>chosen people</strong>. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light."</em></span><br /><span class="text 1Pet-2-9"><em></em></span><br />These are verses that talk about us - those that have chosen salvation.&nbsp; It says that we are chosen.<br />The word chosen means - &nbsp;to prefer or decide something (someone), to desire.<br /><br /><div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;"><em><strong>These verses tell us that we are wanted, desired, preferred.</strong></em></div><div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;"><strong><em></em></strong>&nbsp;</div>There are so many times when we feel unworthy.&nbsp; There are so many times when regret whispers in our ear.&nbsp; So many times when we don't think we can hit the mark or even make it onto the board.&nbsp; That is when we remember the Truth that is Love.&nbsp; Remember that we have been chosen.&nbsp; Remember that His desire is for us.<br /><br />God's desire is for me.&nbsp; I am wanted.<br /><br />It's in the listening.&nbsp; Listen to Love.&nbsp; Listen to Truth.&nbsp; Listen to the One who has saved your soul, the one who knows it all and has chosen you.&nbsp; He <strong><em>wants</em> </strong>me. He <strong><em>wants</em> </strong>you.Jennifer Pacachahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00740638978265854345noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5912055007223189685.post-53316650334104422532016-03-25T10:03:00.002-04:002016-03-25T10:03:55.026-04:00The Freely Given Life<br /><div style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></div><br />On this Good Friday, I am posting a slightly edited version of a previous post.&nbsp; It's still as poignant to me as ever, so I'm sharing again...<br /><br />As we approach Resurrection Sunday, I have been pondering the work that Christ did in coming to the earth, dying for each of us, and rising from the dead.<br /><br />In all of it, so many wanted Christ to take a place of position.&nbsp; People wanted Him to take a crown as a sitting king.&nbsp; But Christ chose a path meant to restore relationship, not to assume a position in man’s eyes.<br /> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fg_TaP246e4/VvVE1bwfMLI/AAAAAAAACeg/wIT0JAAeL8U8wDr6damPiXpwP-lDJcKeg/s1600/John%2B10%2B10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fg_TaP246e4/VvVE1bwfMLI/AAAAAAAACeg/wIT0JAAeL8U8wDr6damPiXpwP-lDJcKeg/s320/John%2B10%2B10.jpg" width="316" /></a>Christ was fully human and fully God all at once.<br /><br />&nbsp;My mind can’t even comprehend that – but in that, how many times must He have been tempted to take the position that so many wanted him to take.&nbsp;In being fully God He had the ability,&nbsp; He had the power.&nbsp; People wanted Him to take the kingship of Israel, to show the world who He really was.&nbsp;&nbsp; As humans, don’t we want to be proven right?&nbsp; Don’t we want to be approved and placed in positions of authority?&nbsp; Don’t we want others to view us as right and good and successful?<br /><br /> Yet Christ knew the route He was taking would cause others to view Him as a failure.&nbsp; In man’s eyes, not only would He <strong><em>not</em></strong> be put in an earthly place of authority, but He would be treated as the lowest of the low and looked upon with scorn and disappointment.<br /><br /> Christ had a goal that man didn’t see.&nbsp; He had a goal of restored relationship.&nbsp; In reality, that’s what salvation is – it restores us to a place of right-standing&nbsp;with God.&nbsp; The choice Christ made restored us to a place where we can have a personal relationship with God.&nbsp; THE GOD, THE ONE AND ONLY.&nbsp; Christ didn’t come to show us in human terms how powerful He is, He came to bring us back to a place of relationship.&nbsp; This was a feat only He had the power and position to accomplish.<br /><br /> His view was on a higher plane.&nbsp; He knew there was a spiritual component that we didn’t realize.&nbsp; He knew that in taking what looked to be the dishonorable route, He was really positioning himself to win the ultimate prize.<br /><br /> Not only did He win the victory over death, but he made a way for He and I – you and God– to have an intimate relationship.<br /><br /> <div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Max Lucado Quote (2).jpg" class=" wp-image-327 aligncenter" height="192" src="https://jennpacacha.files.wordpress.com/2016/03/max-lucado-quote-2.jpg?w=376&amp;h=192" width="376" />&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>All of this made me think about my choices.&nbsp; Am I choosing Him?&nbsp; Am I making choices that place relationships ahead of position?&nbsp; Am I making choices that view relationship as the utmost of importance?&nbsp; Christ did.&nbsp; Restoring us to right relationship was his ultimate goal, and He sacrificed all to win that.<br /><br /> Relationship is that important to Him.&nbsp; If I am His– if you are His – are we putting relationship in its rightful place?&nbsp; Relationship with Him?&nbsp; Relationship with each other?<br /><br /> Those are my thoughts this Easter season.&nbsp; It’s introspective and there is no set answer.&nbsp; Each of us has to do our own evaluation.&nbsp; I can’t evaluate you and you can’t evaluate me.&nbsp; I can’t evaluate my spouse, and he can’t evaluate me.&nbsp; It’s about our heart’s focus.<br /><br /> As we celebrate Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday, lets intentionally put that relationship first.Jennifer Pacachahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00740638978265854345noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5912055007223189685.post-24379456465428232852016-03-17T12:07:00.000-04:002016-03-17T12:07:05.584-04:00Strong Love<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pJyXuK2tkQE/VurWAN8kSbI/AAAAAAAACbg/qA-hNxtltjYbKdA5PgNKNHTk3ZGU_M1Fw/s1600/song%2Bof%2Bsolomon.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="252" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pJyXuK2tkQE/VurWAN8kSbI/AAAAAAAACbg/qA-hNxtltjYbKdA5PgNKNHTk3ZGU_M1Fw/s320/song%2Bof%2Bsolomon.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />We live in a world where we are bombarded by messages of what life should be like,&nbsp;messages of what love should be like.&nbsp; My husband and I have this running joke when commercials come on, which of us can be the first to recognize perfume ads.&nbsp; They are AWFUL!&nbsp; As if you will look like the models and have huge muscular guys surround you if you wear their fragrance.&nbsp; And they are so ethereal!<br /><br />This love the world portrays is weak.&nbsp; It is a love based on temporal things, based on carnal sensibilities.&nbsp; It's reflected as blingy glitz and glitter.&nbsp;&nbsp;A&nbsp;Surface love without depth.&nbsp;We often think this is the kind of love we need to pursue.&nbsp; Yet we often buy into what they are portraying, then feel the sting when disappointment hits.&nbsp; When we are unfulfilled by the weak love.&nbsp;<br /><br />That love isn't Truth.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://jennpacacha.files.wordpress.com/2016/03/red_telephone_box_st_pauls_cathedral_london_england_gb_img_5182_edit1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Red_telephone_box,_St_Paul's_Cathedral,_London,_England,_GB,_IMG_5182_edit.jpg" border="0" class=" wp-image-244 alignleft" data-mce-src="https://jennpacacha.files.wordpress.com/2016/03/red_telephone_box_st_pauls_cathedral_london_england_gb_img_5182_edit1.jpg" height="273" src="https://jennpacacha.files.wordpress.com/2016/03/red_telephone_box_st_pauls_cathedral_london_england_gb_img_5182_edit1.jpg" width="179" /></a>Last night I was in a worship service and the presence of God was so sweet.&nbsp; Sometimes it is difficult for me to worship because of distractions.&nbsp; I am on staff at my church, so I notice things that need to be done, or things that aren't happening that I know should.&nbsp; I'm around 'worship' a lot, allowing myself to be fully immersed and worshipping&nbsp;does not happen as often as it should.&nbsp; Thankfully I remember song lyrics pretty well so I can close my eyes and still sing along.&nbsp;&nbsp;Sometimes I have to do this little trick that&nbsp;that came to me&nbsp;many years ago&nbsp;- If I'm feeling distracted, I imagine that I'm in a phone booth.&nbsp; The kind of booth you'd find in London, the red box where you shut the door.&nbsp; I know it sounds silly, but it works for me.&nbsp; My mind stops thinking about who is sitting around me, what may be going on, and focuses on worshipping the One who created me.&nbsp; There is no top on my phone booth - communication can go two ways unhindered.</div><div style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div>Back to last night's service, I had gone into my phone booth.&nbsp; I was totally immersed in the presence of the Lord.&nbsp;&nbsp; While worshipping, I had this image of the Lord holding me in His arms. He just came up behind me and wrapped these huge, loving arms around me. As&nbsp;I began dwelling on how strong His love is, I could feel His strength and the reassurance that brings.<br /><br />Don't we all need that?&nbsp; I know that I do.&nbsp; To be reminded of that strong love, real love, God has given to us through Christ.&nbsp; The strong love that Christ has for us.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Love like a hurricane.jpg" class=" wp-image-249 aligncenter" data-mce-src="https://jennpacacha.files.wordpress.com/2016/03/love-like-a-hurricane.jpg" height="272" src="https://jennpacacha.files.wordpress.com/2016/03/love-like-a-hurricane.jpg" width="411" /></div><br />I hear the John Mark McMillan song in my head, "How He Loves Us"&nbsp;-<br /><br /><div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;"><em>"He is jealous for me, Loves like a hurricane, I am a tree, bending beneath the weight of His wind and mercy.&nbsp; When all of a sudden, I am unaware of these afflictions eclipsed by glory, and I realize just how beautiful You are and how great Your affections are for me..... Oh, how He loves us so, Oh, how He loves us, how He loves us so..."</em></div><div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;"><em></em>&nbsp;</div><div data-mce-style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left;">I know others have changed the lyrics to make them more palatable for the masses, but I like the rawness of John Mark's original lyrics to verse 2:</div><div data-mce-style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;"><em>"We are His portion and He is our prize.&nbsp; Drawn to redemption by the grace in His eyes, if grace is an ocean we're all sinking.&nbsp; So heaven meets earth like a sloppy wet kiss and my heart turns violently inside my chest, and I don't have time to maintain these regrets when I think about the way... He loves me..."</em></div><div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div data-mce-style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left;">Christ loves me, He loves you, not with some weak far off kind of a love, but a strong, personal, intimate love.&nbsp; A love that took Him to the point of death for me.&nbsp; A love that, as it says in Song of Solomon, its jealousy unyielding as the grave, like a mighty flame.</div><div data-mce-style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div>How many people have been sold the weak love of the world?&nbsp; How many people are settling for that weak love instead of the strong love available to us?&nbsp; <br /><br />Don't many people buy into the weak version of love because they don't realize the strong love can be a reality?&nbsp; How many of us live out of that strong love we've been given?&nbsp; Our relationships here on earth, our spouses, friendships, family relationships can and should&nbsp;reflect that strong love.&nbsp; They don't have to be based in the weak, temporal love society tells us is so blingy.<br /><br />That is my challenge to myself in this season.&nbsp; To be immersed in that strong love to the point that I live like it.&nbsp; I'm not completely sure what that looks like, but that's where the adventure comes in.&nbsp;&nbsp;This is the love that lasts, the love that satisfies, the love that cannot be quenched.<br /><div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;"><em><strong>Love</strong> bears all things [regardless of what comes], believes all things [looking for the best in each one], hopes all things [remaining steadfast during difficult times], endures all things [without <b>weak</b>ening]. -1 Corinthians 13:7</em></div>Jennifer Pacachahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00740638978265854345noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5912055007223189685.post-37155364776818611652016-03-15T08:32:00.000-04:002016-03-15T08:32:21.854-04:00Getting Past the ArrowsSome weeks we are so busy living life that we don't stop to think about the big picture. We think about the fact that we are totally out of bread, and milk, and lunch meat and can not go home today without going to the store on the way.&nbsp; We give attention to the many tasks at our job that, if given precedence, would keep us there until the evening hours.&nbsp; However, leaving our child at school until then is totally unacceptable.&nbsp; Oh the many plates that we spin in life!&nbsp; Then there are the pressing details, like what am I going to get to fill the eggs needed for my daughter's Easter party?!?<br /><br />No, that shouldn't be a pressing detail, but don't we <em>feel</em> like that sometimes?&nbsp; <br /><br />We allow the small things to become big and add pressure to our own inside pressure cooker.<br /><br />Some weeks we are so consumed with the things required of us that we don't stop to think about who we are or the larger story we are a part of.&nbsp; We have jobs that want our best.&nbsp; We have family that need us present.&nbsp; We have friends who like to spend time with us.&nbsp; All things that we want, love, like, and desire.&nbsp; All things that require of us - time, energy, emotion, thought.<br /><br /><a href="https://jennpacacha.files.wordpress.com/2016/03/never-be-afraid-to-trust.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Never be afraid to trust.jpg" border="0" class=" wp-image-218 alignleft" data-mce-src="https://jennpacacha.files.wordpress.com/2016/03/never-be-afraid-to-trust.jpg" height="240" src="https://jennpacacha.files.wordpress.com/2016/03/never-be-afraid-to-trust.jpg" width="180" /></a><br />Then, there are those days or weeks when the fatigue of busyness sets in and we think about the big picture.&nbsp; We begin to evaluate the reality of how we are doing in the areas of our lives.&nbsp; And many times the arrows from the world, those words that have been spoken against us, those things that have made us feel less than adequate in the past, can begin to bombard us.&nbsp; Sometimes they have been intentional and sometimes not.<br /><br />My heart is to live the life I was born to live.&nbsp; To use my gifts and talents to the best of my ability.&nbsp; To be the best wife, mother, friend, daughter, sister that I can.&nbsp; I often fall short of that goal.&nbsp; Sometimes due to my own shortcomings.&nbsp; Sometimes because I dwell too much on my surroundings and how others are doing an their accomplishments in those areas.<br /><br />So many others are such wonderful wives, mothers, friends...... They do such a great job.&nbsp; I mean, where do they find the time?&nbsp; How do they know how to parent so well?<br /><br />Then I realize what I need to do to bring things back into perspective.&nbsp; I need to remember that I was called to live a life different than anyone else.&nbsp; The make-up of who I am is different than you, just as yours is different from anyone else.<br /><br />I also need to take a breath and spend a few minutes with the one who created and put all of those details together.&nbsp; It is amazing how turning my focus to Christ can change my perspective, how asking Holy Spirit into my current situation brings peace.&nbsp; It's in this that those things that I've hidden away come flooding back.<br /><br />Things like:<br /><a href="https://jennpacacha.files.wordpress.com/2016/03/hope-anchors1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Hope Anchors.jpg" border="0" class=" wp-image-220 alignright" data-mce-src="https://jennpacacha.files.wordpress.com/2016/03/hope-anchors1.jpg" height="161" src="https://jennpacacha.files.wordpress.com/2016/03/hope-anchors1.jpg" width="161" /></a><em>For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord.&nbsp; "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope." -Jeremiah 29:11</em><br /><br /><em>Praying that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, <span class="text Eph-1-18" id="en-NKJV-29225"><sup class="versenum"><span data-mce-style="font-size: small;" style="font-size: x-small;">18&nbsp;</span></sup>the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, </span> <span class="text Eph-1-19" id="en-NKJV-29226"><sup class="versenum"><span data-mce-style="font-size: small;" style="font-size: x-small;">19&nbsp;</span></sup>and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power. -Ephesians 1:17-19</span></em><br /><em><span class="text Eph-1-19"></span></em><br /><em>Trust in the <span class="small-caps">Lord</span> with all your heart;&nbsp;<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Prov-3-5">do not depend on your own understanding.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></span><span class="text Prov-3-6" id="en-NLT-16438">Seek his will in all you do,&nbsp;</span><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Prov-3-6">and he will show you which path to take.&nbsp; -Proverbs 3:5-6</span></span></em><br /><br />It's passages like these that remind me that the influences of this world don't have to guide my life.&nbsp; I make choices, but I also have someone to lean on.&nbsp; If I need wisdom, I can ask for it, and get it. (James 1:5)<br /><br />This world will try&nbsp;to&nbsp;batter our dreams and goals.&nbsp; The influences of this culture will tell us that we aren't good enough or smart enough or have the right look to accomplish them.&nbsp; That we don't have the right words or the right presentation.<br /><br />But we have all that we need. (Hebrews 13:20-21)&nbsp; We also know where to get all that we need.<br /><br /><div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;"><em>All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. </em><span class="text 2Tim-3-17" id="en-NLT-29831"><em><sup class="versenum"><span data-mce-style="font-size: small;" style="font-size: x-small;">17&nbsp;</span></sup>God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work. </em></span><span class="text 2Tim-3-17" id="en-NLT-29831"><em>-2 Timothy 3:16-17</em></span></div><div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div data-mce-style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left;">I many times think back on a phrase my pastor would tell us.&nbsp; "Any area of your life that does not glisten with hope is a lie." (Bishop Paul Zink)&nbsp; When I am feeling overwhelmed.&nbsp; When the cares of all that I need to do are weighing me down.&nbsp; It is at those times I need to look back to my source, where my hope comes from.&nbsp; Spend some time with God.&nbsp; Read His Word, worship, pray, be quiet.&nbsp; In the quiet, all of the arrows of the world are deflected.&nbsp; They are silenced and true forward motion can begin again.</div>Jennifer Pacachahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00740638978265854345noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5912055007223189685.post-15045881313375778832016-03-14T10:07:00.004-04:002016-03-14T10:07:53.655-04:00Seasons<a href="https://jennpacacha.files.wordpress.com/2016/03/haley-scooter-51.jpg?w=3264" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Haley Scooter 5.JPG" border="0" class=" wp-image-98 alignleft" data-mce-src="https://jennpacacha.files.wordpress.com/2016/03/haley-scooter-51.jpg?w=3264" height="184" src="https://jennpacacha.files.wordpress.com/2016/03/haley-scooter-51.jpg?w=3264" width="138" /></a>My daughter LOVES to play outside.&nbsp; This said, she is anxious for Spring and Summer to arrive.&nbsp; She is ready for the water temps to warm so that she can go back in for a swim.&nbsp; She has asked me many times lately when Spring would be here.&nbsp; In my busyness I told her 'soon.'&nbsp; I also told her&nbsp;that Spring really isn't really a date on the calendar, but a matter of the weather changing.&nbsp; That wasn't enough though, in her 5-year old mind she needed a date.&nbsp; Finally, yesterday,&nbsp;I looked it up&nbsp;and told her that on March 20th of this year it would finally be Spring.<br /><br />Thus, the countdown has begun!&nbsp; The first thing she informed me of in the car this morning was that there are only 13 days until Spring!!&nbsp; This declaration was followed by the question, "can we go swimming then?"<br />If only our seasons in life were so clearly defined as the date on the calendar.&nbsp; I've loved looking back at the Facebook memories the past month and being reminded of the excitement of finding out we were expecting a child, and the excitement of our family and friends.&nbsp; When I think back over that time I am also reminded of the mixture of seasons over that year.<br /><br />You see, this was an amazing time as we were expecting&nbsp;our baby girl,&nbsp;but in the midst of it was a time of deep sorrow.&nbsp; My mom had been battling cancer for almost a year.&nbsp; In June, we found out that it had metastasized and there was a tumor in her brain that burst.&nbsp; So when I was 5 months pregnant with the child that she had been believing with me for, my mom passed away.&nbsp;In a matter of a couple of short days, she was&nbsp;gone from this earth. &nbsp;My mom, who was supposed to be here to meet my little girl and to tell me all the things I needed to ask her as a new mom myself.&nbsp; My mom, who was a rock of faith and understanding.&nbsp; My mom, who loved myself and my family as no one else could.&nbsp; The Grandmama that I wanted my daughter to know, to experience.<br />﻿﻿﻿﻿<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://jennpacacha.files.wordpress.com/2016/03/prego-pic-at-moms-funeral-june-2010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Prego Pic at Mom's Funeral June 2010.jpg" border="0" class=" wp-image-94 alignleft" data-mce-src="https://jennpacacha.files.wordpress.com/2016/03/prego-pic-at-moms-funeral-june-2010.jpg" height="320" src="https://jennpacacha.files.wordpress.com/2016/03/prego-pic-at-moms-funeral-june-2010.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At Mom's Memorial Service</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="mceTemp">&nbsp;</div>June is also my birthday month.&nbsp; I don't really remember what I did that year.&nbsp; I turned 40, but other than that I don't recall the birthday.&nbsp; So many life events happened in the span of what many would consider one season of life.<br /><br /><br /><div data-mce-style="text-align: right;" style="text-align: center;">We are told in Ecclesiastes 3 that:</div><div data-mce-style="text-align: right;" style="text-align: center;">For everything there is a season,<br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</span><span class="text Eccl-3-1">a time for every activity under heaven.</span></span><br /><span class="text Eccl-3-2" id="en-NLT-17338">A time to be born and a time to die.</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</span><span class="text Eccl-3-2">A time to plant and a time to harvest.</span></span><br /><span class="text Eccl-3-3" id="en-NLT-17339">A time to kill and a time to heal.</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</span><span class="text Eccl-3-3">A time to tear down and a time to build up.</span></span></div><span class="text Eccl-3-4" id="en-NLT-17340"><div data-mce-style="text-align: right;" style="text-align: center;">A time to cry and a time to laugh.</div></span><div data-mce-style="text-align: right;" style="text-align: center;"><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</span><span class="text Eccl-3-4">A time to grieve and a time to dance.</span></span>...</div><div data-mce-style="text-align: right;" style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div>But this season I was in had so many of these things overlapping.&nbsp; Grief, joy, death, birth, laughing, crying, grieving....&nbsp; How does one process it all?&nbsp; I found my answer to be wrapped in faith.&nbsp; "<em>I would have lost heart,</em> unless I had believed That I would see <b>the</b> <b>goodness</b> <b>of</b> <b>the</b> <span class="small-caps"><b>Lord</b></span> In <b>the</b> land <b>of</b> <b>the</b> living." (Psalm 27:13)<br /><br />Sometimes I think that I am still processing all that has happened over that year.&nbsp; There are still seasons that I find myself missing my mom, sometimes to the point of tears.&nbsp; Sometimes those seasons are mixed with a pride and joy I find as my daughter grows.&nbsp; I think of the smile and laughter she would have brought to Mom's face.&nbsp; Then I think about the fact that she is probably looking down from heaven seeing it all anyway, and laughing until she cries.&nbsp; Because that's what we do in our family when we really laugh.<br /><br />Sometimes I think about the seasons in my life and how I would have ordered them differently.&nbsp; I would have moved some earlier in life and some later.&nbsp; Trusting that there is someone who has the full picture, that my finite understanding would not necessarily bring about the best results, isn't always easy.<br /><br /><div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;"><em> "Wait on the <span class="small-caps">Lord</span>; <span class="text Ps-27-14">Be of good courage, </span><span class="text Ps-27-14">And He shall strengthen your heart; </span></em><span class="text Ps-27-14"><em>Wait, I say, on the <span class="small-caps">Lord</span>!" (Psalm 27:14</em>)</span></div><div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;"><span class="text Ps-27-14"></span>&nbsp;</div><div data-mce-style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left;">He will turn our mourning into joyful dancing and take away our mourning, clothing us with joy. (Psalm 30:11)&nbsp; He will do it.&nbsp; He will cause the seasons to change because even if we are unfaithful, He remains faithful. (2 Timothy 2:13)</div><div data-mce-style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div data-mce-style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left;">So when the season is hard and I feel like Winter will never end, I look for the laughter even in the cold.&nbsp; I look for the beauty even in the sparseness.&nbsp; I have to let the seasons change in my life, because Spring is coming.&nbsp; The warm sun will wash over me and I will be able to feel the sand between my toes.&nbsp; The laughter will come, sometimes to the point of tears.&nbsp; And until that happens, we have to rest in His love. We have to wait on the Lord</div><div data-mce-style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;"><em>I will sing of the <span class="small-caps">Lord</span>’s unfailing love forever!&nbsp;&nbsp;</em><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-89-1"><em>Young and old will hear of your faithfulness</em>. </span></span></div><div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-89-1"><em>(</em></span></span><em>Psalm 89:1)</em></div><div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;"><em></em>&nbsp;</div><div data-mce-style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left;">Rest in the knowing that there is One who is faithful in this life, even when the season seems tough and raw.&nbsp; Rest in knowing that He will keep the song alive in your heart, and He will even sing a new song over you.&nbsp; When we allow the seasons to change, we see the goodness of the Lord in our lives.&nbsp; When we get stuck, when we don't let go of the season we are in, we can't embrace the new life, the new growth, the new season that is there for us.</div><div data-mce-style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://jennpacacha.files.wordpress.com/2016/03/haley-summer-days.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Haley Summer Days.jpg" border="0" class=" wp-image-152 aligncenter" data-mce-src="https://jennpacacha.files.wordpress.com/2016/03/haley-summer-days.jpg" height="235" src="https://jennpacacha.files.wordpress.com/2016/03/haley-summer-days.jpg" width="235" /></a><em>For the Lord your God is living among you.&nbsp; He is a mighty savior.&nbsp; He will take delight in you with gladness.&nbsp; With His love, He will calm all your fears.&nbsp; He will rejoice over you with joyful songs. (Zephaniah 3:17)</em></div><div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;"><em></em>&nbsp;</div><div data-mce-style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left;">So get out your picnic blanket.&nbsp; Get your shorts and flips out.&nbsp; Get ready for that new season with expectation.&nbsp; We can rest in the fact that we have a good, good Father who loves us with an everlasting love.&nbsp; Just as my girl is planning for every day to be filled with shorts, tank tops, and swim days - we can look forward to what is ahead with anticipation as simply as a child.&nbsp;&nbsp;Rest in the season you are in, but know that&nbsp;a new one is coming.</div><div data-mce-style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Jennifer Pacachahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00740638978265854345noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5912055007223189685.post-38365267895504907722016-03-01T14:33:00.002-05:002016-03-01T14:33:15.399-05:00Remembering the Amazing<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iwYULHCb7YA/VtXndoD7rmI/AAAAAAAACaM/H-33fkllB-w/s1600/Psalm%2B89%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iwYULHCb7YA/VtXndoD7rmI/AAAAAAAACaM/H-33fkllB-w/s320/Psalm%2B89%2B1.jpg" width="207" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div data-mce-style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: justify;">I went online to check my Facebook page a little over a week ago, and one of my notifications was that I had some 'memories' with some friends.&nbsp; So, naturally I clicked the link to see what those were.&nbsp; </div><div style="text-align: justify;">Apparently, 6 years ago on that day we shared with our friends at work that my husband and I were expecting a baby.&nbsp; It was such a fun day!&nbsp; My friends made me go office by office sharing the news, and everyone we shared it with had to come with us to the next stop.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;">You may think it a bit crazy that this made such a disruption in the work day, but you see, </div><div style="text-align: center;">this baby is our miracle.&nbsp; </div><div style="text-align: justify;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;">A few months before, and a few years before, this wasn't such a happy subject for me.&nbsp; It was one where I had hope, but it was still the substance of a promise hoped for without any evidence to yet hold onto.&nbsp; My husband and I hadn't been able to conceive a child.&nbsp; We tried everything, even fertility doctors.&nbsp; </div><div style="text-align: justify;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;">In November / December of 2009 we had gone through the IVF process, and a couple of weeks into December I received a call that the process hadn't been a success.&nbsp; I was not pregnant.&nbsp; Needless to say, I was heartbroken.&nbsp; I remember vividly having to go the very next day on a day long trip to IKEA with a team from work because we were redesigning the foyer at our church&nbsp;and were going&nbsp;down to purchase the items.&nbsp; It was so difficult to simply act normal and not cry the entire day.&nbsp; </div><div style="text-align: justify;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I had many discussions with God over the next few weeks.&nbsp; He had given me a promise.&nbsp; I had a desire in my heart that I truly believe was from Him. There were specific words I held onto with that:</div><div style="text-align: justify;">&nbsp;</div><div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;"><em></em><em>Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you your heart's desires.&nbsp; - Psalm 37:4</em></div><div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;"><em>The blessing of the Lord makes a person rich, and He adds no sorrow with it. - Proverbs 10:22</em><br /><em></em>&nbsp;</div>December went by and the New Year came.&nbsp; Toward the end of January there were signs that maybe I should take a pregnancy test.&nbsp; I approached that with very mixed emotions.&nbsp; I can't tell you the number of negative tests I had dealt with at that point.&nbsp; When I took the test my husband was just in the other room and asked me how long it would take to know.&nbsp; In amazement, I said I guess right away!&nbsp; It was positive!!!&nbsp; <br /><br />We were cautiously overjoyed!&nbsp; We wanted to tell the world, but wanted to make sure we were right before we did.&nbsp; So finally toward the end of February 2010, 6 years ago, things were confirmed.&nbsp; I was indeed pregnant.&nbsp; It was no less than a miracle of God.&nbsp; It was an amazing pregnancy and God's faithfulness was evident throughout all of it.&nbsp; Even our daughter's birth was amazing!<br /><br /><div align="center"><em>I will sing of the Lord's unfailing love forever!&nbsp; Young and old will hear of YOUR faithfulness. </em></div><div align="center"><em>-Psalm 89:1</em></div><div align="center">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;">The Lord is so faithful.&nbsp; He is so good.&nbsp; Don't ever doubt it, He is a good, good Father.&nbsp; In Matthew 7:11 it says, "So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask Him."</div><div style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;">Whatever you are believing for or standing for today, know that your Heavenly Father loves you and is working on your behalf.&nbsp; I can tell you of the amazing things He has done for me, and our God is no respecter of people. (Acts 10:34)</div><div style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;">Today is March 1, 2016.&nbsp;&nbsp;Exactly&nbsp;6 years ago today I heard Haley Elizabeth's heartbeat for the very first time!&nbsp; Little did we know how much life that heartbeat would bring into this world!!&nbsp; God is amazing, and He gives us amazing gifts!&nbsp; You can trust Him with your heart and with your deepest desires.&nbsp; He is faithful even when it seems in the natural that all hope is gone.&nbsp; He is faithful!&nbsp; </div><div style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;">Below are a few pictures of our beautiful daughter, and a video of a our story.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://vimeo.com/23986846" target="_blank">Video of our Story</a></div>&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EUJuKUNzZng/VtXqmuwUwdI/AAAAAAAACaY/VvAurLulceU/s1600/Baby%2BHaley.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EUJuKUNzZng/VtXqmuwUwdI/AAAAAAAACaY/VvAurLulceU/s320/Baby%2BHaley.jpg" width="224" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O0vEM2pLFhU/VtXq33WMqSI/AAAAAAAACag/YwuUf-6cJ28/s1600/Haley%2B1-16-11.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O0vEM2pLFhU/VtXq33WMqSI/AAAAAAAACag/YwuUf-6cJ28/s320/Haley%2B1-16-11.jpg" width="228" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CnE7-Ha0xQw/VtXsXYe0PSI/AAAAAAAACa0/Ju_4CLM8sis/s1600/Haley%2B6-21-11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CnE7-Ha0xQw/VtXsXYe0PSI/AAAAAAAACa0/Ju_4CLM8sis/s320/Haley%2B6-21-11.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tBr_eqGAWuY/VtXsHcUNr9I/AAAAAAAACas/W0EpO9WLYII/s1600/Family%2BIce%2BCream.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tBr_eqGAWuY/VtXsHcUNr9I/AAAAAAAACas/W0EpO9WLYII/s320/Family%2BIce%2BCream.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fQqkIRSjS2c/VtXsHZZQscI/AAAAAAAACaw/wgOIsyOA01M/s1600/Siesta%2BKey%2BFam%2B2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fQqkIRSjS2c/VtXsHZZQscI/AAAAAAAACaw/wgOIsyOA01M/s320/Siesta%2BKey%2BFam%2B2015.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FTIh8D-4w8I/VtXsXURnqPI/AAAAAAAACa4/RCw0hyhhTR0/s1600/Haley%2Band%2BDaddy%2Bon%2Bdrums.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FTIh8D-4w8I/VtXsXURnqPI/AAAAAAAACa4/RCw0hyhhTR0/s320/Haley%2Band%2BDaddy%2Bon%2Bdrums.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bqx5E_oc9Rc/VtXsXRtHcGI/AAAAAAAACa8/q4SmTAHI360/s1600/Haley%2BDancing%2BNic%2527s%2BWedding.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="303" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bqx5E_oc9Rc/VtXsXRtHcGI/AAAAAAAACa8/q4SmTAHI360/s320/Haley%2BDancing%2BNic%2527s%2BWedding.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aP_SkM48hcQ/VtXsX-8ybZI/AAAAAAAACbA/TY-VUQj5s1Y/s1600/Haley%2Bin%2BSiesta%2BKey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aP_SkM48hcQ/VtXsX-8ybZI/AAAAAAAACbA/TY-VUQj5s1Y/s320/Haley%2Bin%2BSiesta%2BKey.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aIAiRJoNSBY/VtXsYHx-qwI/AAAAAAAACbE/t86R92mANl8/s1600/Haley%2Bon%2BPirate%2BShip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aIAiRJoNSBY/VtXsYHx-qwI/AAAAAAAACbE/t86R92mANl8/s320/Haley%2Bon%2BPirate%2BShip.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;">﻿</div>Jennifer Pacachahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00740638978265854345noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5912055007223189685.post-79407815192128661332016-02-25T15:57:00.000-05:002016-02-25T15:57:18.195-05:00In the KnowingLove. &nbsp;Joy.&nbsp; Acceptance.&nbsp; Peace.&nbsp; Friendship.&nbsp; Adventure. All of these things we consider essential&nbsp;to make our life complete, to make our life full.&nbsp; When they are lacking we feel their void - we feel unloved, unlovely even.&nbsp; But the real quest for me has been how to find these and truly live in them.&nbsp; All of these are connected to relationship,&nbsp;the one thing that I&nbsp;find&nbsp;truly daunting.&nbsp; Daunting in every realm, family, friendship, acquaintance -&nbsp;daunting at every level.<br /><br />In my life I've&nbsp;had a wall that keeps a certain level of detachment in relationships.&nbsp; It keeps them at just the right distance so when that relationship ends it's not as painful as if I'd allowed the perception of something permanent.&nbsp; But I know that isn't what we were created for.&nbsp; I know that we were created to know and to be known.<br /><br />In my mind I ponder why things are so temporal.&nbsp; In my heart I know that we have eternity.&nbsp;&nbsp;But how do I connect the head to what is planted in my heart&nbsp;when we live in a world of the finite.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <br /><br /><div align="center"><em>Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time.&nbsp; He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God's work from beginning to end.</em></div><div align="center"><em>- Ecclesiastes 3:11</em></div><div align="center">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oVIeibQOABs/Vs9iHnITBlI/AAAAAAAACZs/vUj9yf6fqz4/s1600/33474.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oVIeibQOABs/Vs9iHnITBlI/AAAAAAAACZs/vUj9yf6fqz4/s320/33474.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;">So my quest is in how to bridge the chasm between the desire of my heart and the path of my thoughts?&nbsp; If I allowed myself to live with that wall instead of embarking on the quest to remove it, how would I live out all that I was meant to?&nbsp; How would I have those deep desires of true love, joy, acceptance, peace, friendship, and yes, even adventure?</div><div style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;">I know where the answer is found - it is found in spending time with the one who created both my heart and mind and laying those fears of being unloved and unlovely&nbsp;before Him.&nbsp; The answer to pulling that wall down is found in trusting in His grace to stand with and guard my heart.&nbsp; </div><div style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>For we are God's masterpiece.&nbsp; He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>- Ephesians 2:10</em></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;">I have an intense desire to do all that God has planned for me.&nbsp; I want to get rid of those walls that keep me from those things. Those walls that keep me from fulfillment.&nbsp; Those walls that keep me from helping others find their fulfillment.&nbsp;&nbsp;Because in the end, it isn't all about&nbsp;ourselves, at least it shouldn't be, it should be about impacting the world as God created us to.&nbsp; We are His workmanship, His masterpiece, the&nbsp;product of His hand.&nbsp; He breathed His own breath into us for the purpose of life, for the purpose of relationship.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;">I know that this quest will be a success.&nbsp; I have been given that promise, so I will continue and rest in this:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue His work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>- Philippians 1:6</em>﻿</div>Jennifer Pacachahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00740638978265854345noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5912055007223189685.post-60613541120649533742015-04-02T14:21:00.000-04:002015-04-02T14:21:03.221-04:00Restored to Relationship - Thoughts on Easter <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7c789qnKrNA/VR2HviGmlzI/AAAAAAAACVg/ozQWxf0ZBeM/s1600/john10-10_thumb%2B(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7c789qnKrNA/VR2HviGmlzI/AAAAAAAACVg/ozQWxf0ZBeM/s1600/john10-10_thumb%2B(2).jpg" height="178" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span>&nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">As we approach Resurrection Sunday, I have been pondering the work that Christ did in coming to the earth, dying for each of us, and rising from the dead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>In all of it, so many wanted Him to take a place of position.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>People wanted Him to take a crown as a sitting king.&nbsp; </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">But Christ chose a path meant to restore relationship, not to assume a position in man’s eyes.<o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Christ was fully human and fully God all at once.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>My mind can’t even comprehend that – but in that, how many times must He have been tempted to take the position that so many wanted him to take.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;</span>In being fully God He had the ability,&nbsp; He had the power.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>People wanted Him to take the kingship of Israel, to show the world who He really was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>As humans, don’t we want to be proven right?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Don’t we want to be approved and placed in positions of authority?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Don’t we want others to view us as right and good and successful?<o:p></o:p></span><br /> <br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Yet Christ knew the route He was taking would cause others to view Him as a failure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>In man’s eyes, not only would He <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">not</i></b> be put in an earthly place of authority, but He would be treated as the lowest of the low and looked upon with scorn and disappointment.<o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Christ had a goal that we didn’t see.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>He had a goal of restored relationship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>In reality, that’s what salvation is – it restores us to a place of right-standing&nbsp;with God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>The work of Christ restored us to a place where we can have a personal relationship with God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>THE GOD, THE ONE AND ONLY.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Christ didn’t come to show us in human terms how powerful He is, He came to bring us back to a place of relationship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xR3mtkGhpSs/VR2FAnBncPI/AAAAAAAACVM/YX9cZSc_TEc/s1600/Max%2BLucado%2BQuote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xR3mtkGhpSs/VR2FAnBncPI/AAAAAAAACVM/YX9cZSc_TEc/s1600/Max%2BLucado%2BQuote.jpg" height="306" width="320" /></a></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span>&nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">His view was on a higher plane.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>He knew there was a spiritual component that we didn’t realize.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>He knew that in taking what looked to be the dishonorable route, He was really placing himself to win the ultimate prize.<o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Not only did He win the victory over death, but he made a way for He and I – you and God– to have an intimate relationship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;&nbsp;</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;&nbsp;</span><o:p></o:p></span><br /> <br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">All of this made me think about my choices.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; Am I choosing Him?&nbsp; </span>Am I making choices that place relationships ahead of position?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Am I making choices that view relationship as the utmost of importance?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Christ did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Restoring us to right relationship was his ultimate goal, and He sacrificed all to win that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Relationship is that important to Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>If I am His– if you are His – are we putting relationship in its rightful place?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Relationship with Him?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Relationship with each other?</span><br /><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Those are my thoughts this Easter season.&nbsp; It's introspective and there is no set answer.&nbsp; Each of us has to do our own evaluation.&nbsp; I can't evaluate you and you can't evaluate me.&nbsp; I can't evaluate my spouse, and he can't evaluate me.&nbsp; It's about our heart's focus.&nbsp; I would encourage you to think over those things as you go into this Easter weekend.</span></div>Jennifer Pacachahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00740638978265854345noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5912055007223189685.post-77630111441821333152014-04-22T12:23:00.000-04:002014-04-22T12:23:57.729-04:00The Path of Love <br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">My Mom’s birthday is coming up this Sunday, April 27<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>I have been thinking about her a lot this week as she isn’t here to celebrate with, but in heaven. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;</span>Instead of thinking about what gift I could possibly give to her as I did for so many years, I’ve been thinking about the gifts she left with me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>My mom loved Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>She loved Him, and she allowed Father God to shape her heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>She travelled the path of love to the narrow gate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>What is the narrow path of love?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>How do we walk it?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>I believe that my mom modeled the answer to that for me – it is by allowing the heart of the Father to shape our heart and to see through His eyes, instead of resting on our own vision.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It is a Path of Love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Loving the Father.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Loving those that Christ died for.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Loving ourselves because He loves us so. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;</span>Matthew 7 talks about the way that leads to life, and the verses that surround those set the stage for how to find that path to the narrow gate that leads there.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The chapter begins in talking about how we view others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Jesus talks about not judging others when we haven’t even looked at the issues we are still dealing with.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>When we realize the hurtful words we have spoken, the unforgiveness we allow to remain, the actions that displayed anything but love - how can we talk badly of others?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>How can we decide that someone is no longer worthy of our love or friendship?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>If we are looking at others through the loving eyes of Christ, how can we discount them or render them unworthy?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>How much has Christ forgiven in us, and how can we not do the same?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">My mom displayed this time and time again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>I would see people that she loved disappoint.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Yet, she made decisions not to say an unkind word.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>She made decisions to speak well of, to continue to show love to, to reach out to people because they needed that love, and it is that love that led many to know Christ.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">My Mom trusted the Father.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span></span></div><ul><li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">She trusted that He had good things for her, and in this she was able to rest in His love. </span></div></li><li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">She bore good fruits – even now I talk to people who recount the sincere impact she made on their lives just by accepting and loving on them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span><o:p></o:p></span></div></li><li><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Her trust rested in the strong foundation of Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span></span></li></ul><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The path of love is a difficult one to walk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>It is impossible if we attempt it in our own strength.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>It is also the most rewarding. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;</span>When we&nbsp;allow ourselves to let go of our pride, our arrogance, our self-pity, and to rest in Christ’s love, we find the strength to walk that path in amazing peace and to choose to love again and again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>It is there, at that point of letting go, that we can fully embrace the peace and love that is available to us because we are allowing it to flow from us to others.<o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">As I reflect on this I think about my own heart. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;</span>Is there anyone I need to ask for forgiveness?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Is there a relationship I have allowed to be broken due to unforgiveness?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Have I not extended mercy and love?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Am I allowing Christ to form a heart that walks that path of love?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>As I pray, as I worship, as I spend time in His presence, I trust that He is forming my heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>I also look at the examples set before me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>I honor the sacrifices they made and take to heart the road they travelled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>I anticipate seeing the face of the Father, and also the faces I love and miss so dearly that have travelled through that gate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>But for now, my heart is to walk a road of love until that time….<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>I love and miss you Mom!!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>May my daughter see the heart that you displayed reflected in my life.</span>Jennifer Pacachahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00740638978265854345noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5912055007223189685.post-35068545417798463652014-01-13T11:58:00.002-05:002014-01-14T08:47:19.982-05:00A New DayIt is 2014 already!!&nbsp; When I look back at when I posted my last blog, I can't believe how time has passed.&nbsp; I know why I haven't written - I am married, have a 3-year old, I work full time, have extended family and friends.&nbsp; Time is precious.&nbsp;We have to know what season we are in and where we should be putting our time.&nbsp; Mine has been spent on people lately, not those online, on facebook, or on emails very much, but those in front of me.&nbsp; 2013 was a year of transition, and keeping peace in my heart and home was another full time job.&nbsp; But 2013 is gone, and 2014 has come.&nbsp; What will it hold?<br /><br />Coming into this new year, the scripture that God laid on my heart is from Philippians:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><em>"I’m not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don’t get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back.</em> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="text Phil-3-15-Phil-3-16" id="en-MSG-12496"><em>So let’s keep focused on that goal, those of us who want everything God has for us. If any of you have something else in mind, something less than total commitment, God will clear your blurred vision—you’ll see it yet! Now that we’re on the right track, let’s stay on it."</em></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>- Philippians 3:13-16 (The Message)</em></div><br />It is a new day. A day to begin again. A day to put the past behind and walk in the new. Isn't that why Christ came? To give us the opportunity to walk with Him daily?&nbsp; To give us the option to choose Him, to choose life, to choose to put the past behind and to press on and in to what He has for us?&nbsp; To walk in His grace and fulfill what he has called us to do?&nbsp; Sometimes we don't see where the path we walk is leading us, and that can be discouraging.&nbsp; Sometimes the path has been so hard and the disappointments so great that we want to step away from the path.&nbsp; But in His gentle, loving way, Christ calls us to continue.&nbsp; He calls us to keep pressing toward the dreams He placed in our hearts.&nbsp; God knew when He placed them there that we would need His strength to reach those dreams, to reach the places we never imagined we would be. <br /><br />So today, look at Jesus, look at Him and know that you are whole, you are complete in Him.&nbsp; You&nbsp; have all you need.&nbsp; And you can continue to press on, not because of how you feel, but because you can trust that Christ will give you all you need at just the right time.&nbsp; So, I am writing again.&nbsp; I am posting a blog entry.&nbsp; I am reaching forward for where God is calling, and allowing Him to 'clear my blurred vision' that the cares of this world have brought in.<br /><br /><br /><br />Jennifer Pacachahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00740638978265854345noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5912055007223189685.post-44802585507571467452011-08-18T10:15:00.002-04:002011-08-18T10:24:11.949-04:00True Friendship at All TimesWhat a year it has been!&nbsp; It seems that over the past year so many things have happened.&nbsp; Friends have gone away, my baby girl was born, relationships changed.... So many changes.&nbsp; There is one thing that&nbsp;remains constant and that is God and His love.&nbsp; It's in the hard times that we realize this the most.&nbsp; Sometimes a person fails us, sometimes we see the faithfulness of someone God has put into our lives.&nbsp; This year in my life two of the most monumental things happened:<br /><ol><li>I lost my mom, who I talked to almost daily, who shared my faith, who encouraged me, and who I couldn't wait to&nbsp;introduce my baby girl to.&nbsp; </li>
<li>Then there was the arrival of my baby girl, the most wonderful and beautiful little angel ever (who is, right at this moment, pulling everything off of the shelf under her changing table, AGAIN.....).</li>
</ol><br />I have found it amazing as I've walked through this year and through these major changes in life,&nbsp;how all of the other relationships around us can change.&nbsp; For instance, I realize just how incredible my husband is.&nbsp; I have to say, it gives me a whole new appreciation for single parents because without&nbsp;my husband, who is also my best friend, I'm not sure how I would have made it through this past year.&nbsp; I began to see friendships in different light - those that are heavily dependant on what you give the other person and not a true give and take, fade because you don't have extra to give.&nbsp; Those that I may not have realized were so valuable and true friends became even brighter.&nbsp; But mostly I realize the complete and total faithfuleness of God and the value of His friendship.&nbsp; <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">"The man of many friends [a friend of all the world] will prove himself a bad friend, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother." -Proverbs 18:24 (AMP)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">God gives us friends among each other and His desire is for us to be in relationships, but we all fail each other from time to time.&nbsp; But there is a relationship that we can rely on no matter what, and that is the most precious relationship that we can cultivate.&nbsp; Our relationship with the Lord is one that will never fail us, even when we ourselves fail.&nbsp; It is the relationship that will also put all of our other relationships&nbsp;in the right perspective, even in the hard times.&nbsp; It is the one that will bring healing and forgiveness.&nbsp; It is the one that will bring joy and laughter.&nbsp; It is the one that will bring truth and revelation to our lives.&nbsp; </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Friendship with God is of greater value than any other thing in our lives and more worthy of our time and attention, yet so many times we get busy and let our time with God dwindle away.&nbsp; The wonderful thing about Him is that He is waiting there as soon as we realize it and turn to Him.&nbsp; So there is no better time than the present to take time out for Him.&nbsp; He is ever faithful and always there for us no matter if we are celebrating on the highest mountain or finding our way through the lowest place in our life.&nbsp; His love and friendship is there.&nbsp; I have always known that, but over the past year my need for that revelation has become more prevelant than ever.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Friendship with God - what a wonderful thing!&nbsp; He gives us so much, and to end this entry, here are a couple of&nbsp;pictures of the precious ones He has given to me:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4fN6zo6ktgY/Tk0gTCK1qYI/AAAAAAAAAGM/KXHNUa5W3sk/s1600/IMG_0427.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4fN6zo6ktgY/Tk0gTCK1qYI/AAAAAAAAAGM/KXHNUa5W3sk/s320/IMG_0427.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q7ivVk-rDmA/Tk0gWr1KJoI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/8zAwt8UcFlY/s1600/IMG_0448.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q7ivVk-rDmA/Tk0gWr1KJoI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/8zAwt8UcFlY/s320/IMG_0448.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h4Vk1HTzFec/Tk0dY6CcxyI/AAAAAAAAAGI/lkTO30bzTHc/s1600/Haley+Playing+8-16-11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h4Vk1HTzFec/Tk0dY6CcxyI/AAAAAAAAAGI/lkTO30bzTHc/s320/Haley+Playing+8-16-11.jpg" width="179" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div>Jennifer Pacachahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00740638978265854345noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5912055007223189685.post-71849793300969380512010-11-27T17:07:00.000-05:002010-11-27T17:07:04.131-05:00Haley ElizabethThankful, that is probably what I should have titled this blog entry.&nbsp; <br /><br />I know it has been way too long since I've posted on my blog.&nbsp; I have to say that my pregnancy since June has been very emotional since my mom's passing.&nbsp; I think it was knowing that she wasn't here for me to share things with.&nbsp; <br /><br />That being said, I am so thankful to the Lord for a wonderful pregnancy and my labor was very short.&nbsp; I even made it without an epidural, although I have to say that if I hadn't been too far along when I got to&nbsp;the hospital to get one, I would have gone&nbsp;for it.&nbsp; I am so thankful to have gone without it though.<br /><br />Our baby girl, Haley Elizabeth, arrived on October 25th at 2:17am.&nbsp; She weighed 7lbs, 1oz, and was 19.1 inches long.&nbsp; <br /><br />Here she is:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_oPNpzx7Ygf0/TPF_Ssp726I/AAAAAAAAAEo/4U8Vt8yEKOA/s1600/DSCN0131.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" ox="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_oPNpzx7Ygf0/TPF_Ssp726I/AAAAAAAAAEo/4U8Vt8yEKOA/s320/DSCN0131.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />We are so blessed and loving having our little girl here with us.&nbsp; I just can't put into words how much we love her and how special she is to us.&nbsp; Haley is a true testimony of God's faithfulness.<br /><br />God has blessed us so much - we are so thankful!Jennifer Pacachahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00740638978265854345noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5912055007223189685.post-18420713398497733422010-06-17T17:28:00.000-04:002010-06-17T17:28:46.769-04:00A Legacy of LoveMy mom, Donna Thompson, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, June 13th.&nbsp; Her life has made a profound impact on the people that knew her.&nbsp; The following is what I wrote to sum up how I feel about her life.&nbsp; She loves the Lord with all that she is.&nbsp; Her five children, 13 grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren have seen how she lived out that love.&nbsp; This is the legacy that she leaves.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_oPNpzx7Ygf0/TBqSpa26kcI/AAAAAAAAAEY/yfSuApVHG5s/s1600/Pic+of+Mom+from+wedding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_oPNpzx7Ygf0/TBqSpa26kcI/AAAAAAAAAEY/yfSuApVHG5s/s320/Pic+of+Mom+from+wedding.jpg" /></a></div><blockquote><strong><u>A Legacy of Love</u></strong></blockquote>My mom’s legacy is one of LOVE. Mom loved the Lord and allowed His love to flow through her. She loved without expectation, without looking for return, she just loved people with the love of the Lord. She wanted them to know the love Christ has for them. My mom is the richest person I know because she loved.<br /><br />Many people quote 1 Corinthians 13, but when I look at my mom’s life, she lived it. The love she shared was long suffering, kind, never paraded or puffed up. I can think of so many situations where she didn’t think of her own self, but loved without thinking evil or looking at the wrongs of a person’s situation, but only of how she could love on them, and in that share the love of Christ.<br /><br />Mom didn’t do this by herself though; she took her family with her. I can’t count the times our days consisted of serving others because they had a need – a ride to the grocery store, spending time with someone who couldn’t get out, gathering food or clothing for a family in need. We had kids in our home after school, even after all of her own children were grown, just letting them spend time, giving them snacks and talking to them about their lives and about the difference Jesus makes in our lives. <br /><br />Mom taught me to see people through the eyes of Jesus. She knew that if they would only surrender to His love, their lives would be transformed. Mom knew life could be hard. She had seen the effects of alcohol and drug abuse on a life, on a family. But she had also encountered the life-changing, heart healing power of Jesus Christ.<br /><br />There is so much I could say about my mom. You can see the legacy of love if you look at her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Mom’s one desire is for others to know the Lord, to really know Him and to allow His love to transform their heart and mind.<br /><br />Mom only knew in part, only saw in a mirror dimly, but now she is face to face with perfect love, now she is in the full presence of the One who is LOVE, the ONE who first loved us. <br /><br />For Mom, to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord, and that is where we will see her again.Jennifer Pacachahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00740638978265854345noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5912055007223189685.post-87152891264761541062010-03-26T11:25:00.000-04:002010-03-26T11:25:38.677-04:00Hope Fullfilled<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_oPNpzx7Ygf0/S55KVSa04KI/AAAAAAAAAEI/UPkR5u9tRd0/s1600-h/Baby+Pacacha+-+cropped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="173" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_oPNpzx7Ygf0/S55KVSa04KI/AAAAAAAAAEI/UPkR5u9tRd0/s200/Baby+Pacacha+-+cropped.jpg" vt="true" width="200" /></a></div>"Hope deferred makes the heart sick,but a dream fulfilled is a tree of life".&nbsp; -Proverbs 13:12<br /><br />It's amazing the changes that can happen so suddenly.&nbsp; I haven't posted in a bit because I've simply just been tired. I've been growing a baby!! :)<br /><br />Yes, God has blessed my husband and I with a wonderful new life and we are so excited about all that encompasses.&nbsp; This picture is the first glimpse we had of our little one.&nbsp; We were amazed to see and hear&nbsp;our baby's heart beating.&nbsp; It brought tears to my eyes and joy to my heart.&nbsp; I am almost 11 weeks along now, and this past week I got to see another picture of our little one and got to see arms and legs moving!<br /><br />You may remember the post I made in January talking about the process we had gone through at the end of last year dealing with fertility.&nbsp; We did what was before us in the natural, BUT THEN GOD moved in His timing and we are expecting our first child.&nbsp; I must say that when I saw the positive pregnancy test I was in shock.&nbsp; As much as I've prayed and believed, I was still shocked when I saw the fruit actually made evident.&nbsp; <br /><br />It is amazing to me every time I think about the miracle of the small child growing inside of me.&nbsp; I am so thankful and so excited about all that lies ahead on this journey.<br /><br />I will continue to write as I travel this journey and share it with you.Jennifer Pacachahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00740638978265854345noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5912055007223189685.post-87457672069297769702010-02-22T10:22:00.000-05:002010-02-22T10:22:10.651-05:00Building Faith<blockquote><div style="text-align: center;"><em>"Thirsty hearts are those whose longings have been wakened by the </em><em>touch of God within them."</em> -A.W. Tozer</div></blockquote><blockquote><div style="text-align: center;"><em>"Resting in Jesus is not applying a spiritual formula to ourselves as a kind of fix it.&nbsp; It is the essence of repentance."</em>&nbsp; <u>Sacred Romance</u>, Brent Curtis, Pg. 174</div></blockquote>Believing in God, believing He is, believing He is true, by faith accepting Him and giving our life over to Him is only a first step in faith.&nbsp; It is the essential foundation to build upon, but there is so much more God desires us to enter into.&nbsp; How do we take those steps?&nbsp; How do we build upon the foundation that is there?<br /><br />The answer lies in spending time in God's presence, spending time in His word, and allowing Holy Spirit to speak to our hearts.&nbsp; It's not so much a matter of believing that God can, but that <em>He will for us</em>.&nbsp; That We (<em>I</em>) will see&nbsp;the&nbsp;promise or dream God has given&nbsp;to me come to pass.<br /><br />One of my favorite quotes from my pastor is,&nbsp;<em>"When Jesus becomes your security, your insecurity is destroyed."</em> (Pastor Paul Zink)&nbsp; When we begin to truly trust Jesus, that's when we can truly trust the dreams, visions, and gifts He has&nbsp;given to us.&nbsp;The Spirit of God is given to us to saturate our spirit, and the Word of God is given to saturate our minds.&nbsp; When we combine time spent in God's word and time spent in God's presence it is a lethal weapon to our fears, doubts, and insecurity.<br /><em><blockquote><div style="text-align: center;"><em>God, who calls you, is faithful to do this."</em> -1 Thessaonians 5:24</div></blockquote></em>We serve a God that has huge plans for our lives, and as Christians we need to open our hearts and minds to the greatness of God.&nbsp; Remember that God is the one who gives us what we need to accomplish what He has called us to.&nbsp; In 2 Thessalonians 1:11, God's word reinforces yet again that God will make&nbsp;us worthy of the life to which He called us as we walk in His ways and in His grace.&nbsp; Habakkuk 1:5 tells us "look at the nations and be amazed!&nbsp; Watch and be astounded at what I will do!&nbsp; For I am doing something in your own day, something you wouldn't believe even if someone told you about it!"<br /><br />Do I walk with that kind of expectation?&nbsp; Am I looking to be amazed?&nbsp; Am I looking to be blown away by the greatness of God?&nbsp; Am I looking to be astounded by what God wants to do through me?&nbsp; As I meditate on God's word instead of what today's society tells me, then&nbsp;yes, I will&nbsp;see my faith rise.&nbsp; I will see my expectation build, and I will see God's hand working in my life.<br /><br />The following has been a key scripture for me so far this year.&nbsp; <br /><blockquote><div style="text-align: center;"><em>I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called—his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance. I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms.</em> -Ephesians 1:18-20</div></blockquote>This is my prayer: <em>Father, I pray in Jesus' name, for my eyes to be opened to your plans and purposes for me as never before.&nbsp; Holy Spirit, soften my spirit to be pliable to your ways.&nbsp; I will walk in the light of Your Word and allow my faith to be built in Your presence.&nbsp; I love you, Lord, I thank you for your faithfulness.&nbsp; Amen."</em>Jennifer Pacachahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00740638978265854345noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5912055007223189685.post-60063581056450720022010-01-29T08:29:00.003-05:002010-01-29T08:37:22.568-05:00In the Hard Times....Lately it seems that so many of my friends are going through a difficult time.&nbsp; Tribulations are pounding them from every angle, jobs, finances, family issues -children and spouses, relationships gone awry.&nbsp; Those are the times that we have to stand firm in our faith, but it can also be the most difficult to stand.&nbsp; That's when our friends are so very important to us, those&nbsp;friends that are filled with faith.<br /><br />Our words can greatly affect not only our situation, but that of those around us.&nbsp; We can speak words of life or we can speak words of death.&nbsp; I'm not saying to tell your friend who is going through a hard time, that they need to stop being down and sad and put a smile on their face.&nbsp; The Bible tells just as much.&nbsp; <em>Singing light songs to the heavy hearted is like pouring salt in their wounds</em>. (Prov. 25:20 -msg)&nbsp; But it also says that <em>A word fitly spoken and in due season is like apples of gold in a setting of silver</em>. (Prov. 25:11 - AMP)&nbsp; <br /><br />So how do we deal with the hard times as people of faith, people who hold the promises of the Living God?&nbsp; We remember His promises.&nbsp;We remember His words.&nbsp; We exhort each other in these things.&nbsp; That is what it says in God's Word.<br /><em></em>We have to be serious about the life God has called us to live, even in the hard times.&nbsp; Not in a fake, meaningless, pretend you're happy because Christians are supposed to be kind of way, but in a real faith-founded Christ-follower kind of way.&nbsp; The only way to do that is to keep our eyes constantly&nbsp;looking to Him who is the finisher of our faith.&nbsp; In Colossians Paul writes to the believers the following:<br /><blockquote><em>Now Judas and Silas, themselves being prophets also, exhorted and strengthened the brethren with many words -Acts 15:32</em></blockquote><br /><em></em>That is how we deal with hard times, we look to God for His perspective.&nbsp; Many times we want to respond in our flesh.&nbsp; We want to bring justice about because we don't see it happening without <em>our</em> help.&nbsp; We want to fix the problems around us (anyone else out there ever try to be a fixer?).&nbsp; But many times that's not our duty and we are taking on something that God never intended.&nbsp; We just need to be there, it is&nbsp;God&nbsp;who will&nbsp;work out the situation.&nbsp; There is so much peace that comes with that realization.&nbsp; <br /><blockquote><em>So if you're serious about living this new resurrection life with Christ, act like it. Pursue the things over which Christ presides. Don't shuffle along, eyes to the ground, absorbed with the things right in front of you. Look up, and be alert to what is going on around Christ—that's where the action is. See things from his perspective. -Colossians 3:1-2 (MSG)</em></blockquote><br /><br />One of my favorite worship songs is <em>Refuge</em> by Darrell Evans.&nbsp; The lyrics are:<br /><blockquote><em>Refuge, You're my refuge, </em><em>When the world is shaken, </em><em>And nothing stands, </em><em>I will hold on to Your hand, </em><em>Refuge</em></blockquote><br />God is my refuge, and He is your refuge.&nbsp; He is our ready help in time of trouble.&nbsp; He has given us promises that He is faithful to keep.&nbsp; He is good.&nbsp;We can pour out our heart to Him, the good, the bad, the emotions, the joy, hurt, and pain.&nbsp; God opened up a way for us to have that kind of relationship with Him, one of restoration, and He is the restorer. <br /><div><blockquote><em>The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows). -John 10:10 (AMP)</em></blockquote></div>That is what I am standing on, and what I am encouraging my friends to stand on as they go through trials.&nbsp; Christ came for us.&nbsp; He died for us.&nbsp; He rose again, so that we might have life in abundance, even when we don't <em>feel</em> the abundance.&nbsp; This is a promise we can hold on to.&nbsp; He is our source, our refuge, our healer. <br />&nbsp; <br />I enclosed a link to a short film called <u>Validation.</u>&nbsp; It&nbsp;is a great perspective on how&nbsp;the&nbsp;words we speak to others affects them.&nbsp;&nbsp;This is a great video.&nbsp; Enjoy! <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cbk980jV7Ao">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cbk980jV7Ao</a><br />&nbsp; <br />This is my prayer for today: <em>"Lord, let the words of my mouth be focused on your heart.&nbsp; Forgive me for trying to take matters into my own hands and fix the, both in my life and in the life of those around me.&nbsp; Help me to see those around me with your heart, to show compassion, hope, and to share what those around me are going through while offering your strength.&nbsp; May Your love flow through me to those hurting that surround me.&nbsp; In Christ's Name, Amen."</em>Jennifer Pacachahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00740638978265854345noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5912055007223189685.post-683486290536653322010-01-23T11:01:00.003-05:002010-01-23T16:48:57.122-05:00Nothing to give?Do you ever feel like you have nothing to give those around you?&nbsp; Your friend is going through a trial.&nbsp; Your spouse is wrestling with issues at work.&nbsp; Someone loses their&nbsp;spouse or child.&nbsp;&nbsp; There are times when I go to the Lord and know that I have not experienced these things others are going through.&nbsp; I have not had the heartache of losing a spouse or child.&nbsp; There are trials my friends are going through that I can do nothing about but wait on the Lord.&nbsp; Even my encouragement seems lame.&nbsp; The words, 'you are in my prayers' seem empty.&nbsp; I know they are not, I know that prayer is powerful.&nbsp; Prayer is powerful to change situations, it is powerful to bring the presence of God into a situation, and it is powerful to bring healing.&nbsp; <br /><br />Speaking God's word, calling on the covenant we have been given through Jesus is powerful!&nbsp; The thing is, we may not see immediate change in the natural.&nbsp;&nbsp; Sometimes healing is immediate, sometimes there is a process.&nbsp; Sometimes answers come the next hour. Sometimes, in the natural timeline we create in our heads, we feel the answers will never come.&nbsp; To others, to our own situation, we can feel that we have nothing to give.<br /><br />But you do have something to give when you have God residing within you.&nbsp; You and I&nbsp;have His hope, His peace to share.&nbsp; You and I have His promises.<br /><br /><em></em><br /><blockquote><em>Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness.&nbsp; Delight yourself also in the Lord and He shall give you the desires of your heart.&nbsp; Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass.&nbsp; He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday.&nbsp; Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him... -Psalm 37:3-7a</em><br /></blockquote><br />Hope, we carry it inside of us.&nbsp;Not hope in ourselves. Not hope in a world gone awry. Hope in the God of all creation.&nbsp; Hope in His loving-kindness.&nbsp; And even though we <em>feel</em> that we have nothing to give, when we have relationship with the Living God who dwells within us, we are never without.&nbsp; <br /><br />I still feel many times that I have nothing to give.&nbsp; I feel that I am powerless to change my own situation, much less help anyone else overcome theirs.&nbsp; But then I can remember that it is God who gives the power to overcome.<br /><br /><em></em><br /><blockquote><em>You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. -1 John 4:4</em><br /></blockquote><br />We have peace that resides in us, peace that we can share with those around us, peace that we can call into our own situation because we have the Holy Spirit inside of ourselves.<br /><br /><em></em><br /><blockquote><em>But the helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.&nbsp; -John 14:26-27</em><br /></blockquote><br />When I feel like I have nothing to give, when I've prayed and given all that I know to give, that is when I have to rely on what God tells me in His word.&nbsp; That's when I have to remember that it's not about what I feel, but about who I am in Christ, about the Christ that lives in me.&nbsp; That is when I can continue to pray, continue to encourage, continue to just be there for those around me.&nbsp; I know that it's not about what I can do in my own power and what I can give, but about the God inside of me that I can give.<br /><br />My prayer today is: <em>Father, bring to my rememberance who You are inside of me.&nbsp; When I am faced with situations that seem impossible, help me to remember that I can give all I have of you.&nbsp; It is not of myself, but God who is True and Just that gives me the faith and strength to stand in the gap.&nbsp; To stand for myself or for those who cannot stand for themselves.&nbsp; I am never without because I have you.&nbsp; Thank you for your faithfulness.</em>Jennifer Pacachahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00740638978265854345noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5912055007223189685.post-54929837515477981532010-01-15T09:26:00.007-05:002010-01-15T10:36:28.628-05:00Literal Life...<blockquote><p align="center"><strong><em>"I'm a lion king, I've got a mane<br />and a yellow coat, it's gonna rain"</em></strong><br /></p></blockquote>Yes, I know, nonsense. These are lyrics from the literal video 'With Arms Wide Open' by Creed. Literal videos take real music videos and put words to what it appears is <em>literally </em>happening in the video. When I need a laugh I pull this up, because literal videos are hysterical! This morning in the shower these lyrics popped into my head and I started thinking about these videos, and begin wondering how many people view our lives as a literal video?<br /><br />What makes literal videos hilarious is that the lyrics match perfectly to the actions on the screen, but it was not what the band intended the song to convey. It made me think about my life and what people see as opposed to what I intend my life to convey. I say I am loving, do people see that? I say I am caring, do people see that? Or does my life make about as much sense as the scene in this video that says:<br /><blockquote><p align="center"><strong><em>"pee pee naa naaa blah<br />is what it looks like I'm sayin"<br /></em></strong></p></blockquote>Literally, what do people see in our lives? This is so important to look at because for my life to have the impact I desire, there should not be a disconnect between what I believe and how I live. <br /><br />How can a Christian believe that God is love and respond in hate when faced with adversity or a different viewpoint? How can a Christian respond in judgment when someone is hurting, instead of compassion? A video is the visual that is seen to a song or story, so how I live my life is the video people see of me, of what I believe. What I do can say volumes more than what I say.<br /><br /><blockquote><p align="center"><em><strong>"Let no one despise or think less of you because of your youth, but be an example (pattern) for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity." - 1Timothy 1:12<br /><br />"Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. - Philippians 2:1-3<br /></strong></em></p></blockquote>These scriptures lay it out pretty plainly! What has Christ given to us and what are we giving to others? I intend to examine my life, my attitudes, my actions, and see what lines up and what doesn't. Actions and beliefs, are they the same? This may seem to be a huge ongoing task in life, and to consider it can seem overwhelming. But, we need to consider that if we don't begin are we being true to the Lord and the life He is calling us to?<br /><br />There are a lot of questions in today's post. Probably because this topic is filled with more questions than answers until we begin to evaluate things. Sometimes our lives don't line up out of habits we hold. Sometimes our lives don't line up out of heart attitudes. Sometimes we need to change what we're putting into our lives... television shows and movies we watch, music we allow ourselves to listen to, video games we play.<br /><br />My prayer today is: <em>"Lord, I pray that you would help me to see through Your eyes. Forgive me for the times that I have not acted as I should have, for those times where instead of reflecting You, I reflected the irritation in my own nature. Forgive me for the times that my life has not drawn others to You. Help me to see the areas that need change. Help me to see opportunities to be a reflection of You to others. Thank You for Your grace, mercy, and compassion in my life. Thank you for the joy and peace you give to me so that I am able to give out joy, peace, grace, and hope. Lord, You are my hope! In Jesus' name I pray all of this. Amen!"</em><br /><em></em><br />If you would like to check out the literal video I mentioned above, it can be seen at: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fMlA8nQ0bXc">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fMlA8nQ0bXc</a>Jennifer Pacachahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00740638978265854345noreply@blogger.com3